Primary Schools Championed in Regional Awards

Three primary schools from across the West Midlands have been recognised for the excellent work that they are doing using their Primary PE and Sport Premium funding through awards which are linked to national partners.

The awards recognise schools that have endeavoured to provide improved outcomes for pupils using the Primary PE and Sport Premium grant.

The six County Sports Partnerships from across the West Midlands held their own nomination process earlier this year to determine County level winners.

Each of these winners were then put forward to a regional panel which judged the nominations in each of the three categories.

The regional winners are:

Category: Up Skilling Staff Award

Winner: The Federation of Abbey Infant and Abbey Junior Schools, Sandwell, Black Country

In partnership with a qualified physiotherapist employed as an LSP, the school wrote and piloted a new PE curriculum for EYFS. In order for the programme to be sustainable, it was key that the success/impact of the programme was not dependent upon the PE Lead/LSP to deliver the programme. Subsequently, both the PE Lead & LSP were timetabled in to deliver CPD to all staff working within EYFS. This included delivery at an INSET Day in September in addition to weekly and 1 to 1 support for staff across both Key stages. Due to the success this CPD model has been implemented at another local school with different demographic of children (majority ethnic minority, PP, EAL) with great success.

Across both schools this has resulted in an increased profile of PE, in addition to improvement in staff attitudes. Pupils Motor Skills has increased dramatically since the introduction of the programme which has subsequently had a huge cross-curricular impact on pupils handwriting, engagement and attainment.

Category: Physical Activity and Health Enhancing Initiatives

Winner: John of Rolleston Primary School, Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire

John of Rolleston Primary introduced active learning across the curriculum and across the school. The project started in the Autumn term by sending the English, Maths and PE lead on training (Active Maths and Active Literacy). PE Lead, Nicola Bourke, then ran a training session for all staff during an INSET. Staff were also given the opportunity to have a go at a variety of activities ranging across all key stages and curriculum areas. The enthusiasm of the PE lead during the session ensured all staff were on board with the project. All staff are now regularly including active learning into their lessons and it has become part of the school culture. Going forward the PE lead is keen to involve parents in an active learning workshop to understand the importance of reducing sedentary behaviours in their pupils.

Category: Whole School Improvement

Winner: Paget Primary School, Birmingham

Prior to September 2016 at Paget Primary School, children did not always have appropriate PE kit and would often not bring a kit at all. School attendance was below national average and there were key children who displayed challenging behaviours and were becoming disengaged from learning. Sports premium funding was used to provide various initiatives and programmes around sport and physical activity. In addition, PE was included in the whole school action plan and given greater credence in the school’s Curriculum Guarantee. A sports crew was formed along with a big push surrounding PE Kit.

The school established strong community and sporting links and has achieved Silver in the School Games Mark. Thanks to Primary Premium Funding, the school is well resourced and now has a wide range of equipment that supports a wide range of interests and activities. The use of children as young leaders and sports leaders motivates younger pupils.

In June 2017 Ofsted said: “A parent described the playground at lunchtime as ‘an oasis of fun’, and inspectors wholeheartedly agree."

Ian Carey, Active Black Country Director, said:

It’s great to see schools recognised for taking such an innovative approach to utilising their Primary PE & Sport Premium funding across the region. The pioneering approach adopted by Abbey Infant and Junior Schools in the Black Country has resulted in an incredibly positive impact on the children, young people and staff. It’s great to see the school not only embedding this across other subject areas but also working with other local schools as well to raise the profile of PE, Physical Activity and Sport. It’s also testament to the approach that the model established is sustainable in the future. Congratulations must also go to the other two Black Country finalists who narrowly missed out on winning their categories.”

All three winners will be recognised at the West Midlands Community Sports Awards being held on the 6th December at the University of Birmingham Sport.

To find out more about the Black Country Primary PE & Sport Premium visit https://www.activeblackcountry.co.uk/i-am-a-school/primary-pe-and-sport-premium/

ENDS