Physical Activity Policy

DimpleWellInfant School and Nursery

Physical Activity Policy

Introduction

School name:Dimple Well Infant and Nursery School

Consultation that has taken place: This policy has been developed by a working group which has been discussed with parents, pupils and staff.

Date formally approved by governors:

Date policy becomes effective:

Review date:

Person responsible for implementation and monitoring: Mrs L. Wilkinson

Other relevant policies: PSHE Policy, School Travel Plan, P.E. policy, Food Policy

Aim

To ensure that all aspects of physical activity in school are promoted for the health and well being of pupils, staff and visitors.

Rationale

Physical education, experienced in a safe and supportive environment, is vital in its contribution to a pupil’s physical and emotional development. The link between a healthy body and the ability to learn effectively is very important. The Government’s aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to be healthy.

Due to social, environmental and technological changes, children today experience low levels of physical activity which may not be enough to benefit their cardiovascular health. Theytend towards an indoor lifestyle of activities such as computer games. Many travel by car instead of walking or cycling. This relates directly to the obesity epidemic which holds numerous short and long term health implications. The predicted prevalence of childhood obesity for 2020 is in excess of 50%. Physical activity has been shown to significantly decrease body fat in obese children.

Patterns established at a young age can influence participation in adulthood. Therefore, teaching needs to promote lifelong physical activity habits. Encouraging healthy lifestyles and large amounts of physical activity in young childrenat school is crucial. The national target is that 85% of pupils by 2008 will have a minimum of 2 hours moderate intensity high quality P.E. and sport within and out of the curriculum.

According to Ofsted in 2006, the School Sport Partnership Programme helps to improve quality of provision in school sports. It helps to promote increased participation by pupils in physical activityas well as greater opportunities to play sports outside school through strong links with sport clubs and sport coaches.

Objectives

To provide consistent messages in school about physical activity both within and outside the taught curriculum.
To increase the physical activity levels of pupils in line with national targets.
To contribute to optimum pupil behaviour, physical fitness, growth and development assisting pupils to reach their learning potential.
To improve self esteem and confidence among pupils and provide opportunities for them to work together.
To provide the opportunity for pupils to develop valuable life time skills.
To increase pupils’ knowledge, understanding, experience and attitudes towards physical activity.
To contribute to out of hours learning for pupils.

Meeting the objectives

Physical activity within curriculum time

Planning

The school follows the Val Sabin Scheme of Work for dance games and gymnastics. (See Appendix 1). Long and medium term plans map out the activities covered in each term and give details of each unit of work, ensuring coverage of the key objectives in different year groups. (See Appendix 2). Short term plans are for each lesson and ensure weekly coverage of objectives. These give specific learning objectives and details of how the lessons are to be taught. (See teachers’ individual planning files).

Curriculum

In the Foundation Stage, P.E. relates to the objectives set out in the Physical Development section of the Early Learning Goals. Children are given opportunity to undertake activities that offer appropriate physical challenge, both indoors and outdoors, using a range of resources. In Key Stage 1 P.E. is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. The fundamental knowledge, concepts and skills are categorised into the following areas of activity:

Games

Gymnastics

Dance

Through these activities, the programmes of study enable the children to:

Acquire and develop skills
Select and apply skills, tactics and compositional ideas
Evaluate and improve performance
Gain a knowledge and understanding of fitness and health

Teaching methods

A balance of individual, paired and group activities enable children to be cooperative, collaborative and competitive in a range of situations which aim to cater for the needs of each pupil.

Time allocation

Each activity area contains four units of work, normally within six lessons.

Games 4 units x 6 lessons = 24 lessons

Total = 72 lessons.

School year has 39 weeks with 2 lessons of P.E. per week.

39 weeks x 2 lessons = 78 potential lessons.

Therefore, even with allowing for seasonal disruptions, it is still possible to deliver the scheme of work.

Lessons are presently 2 x 40 minutes = 80 minutes of P.E. lessons weekly. This is being addressed in order to extend the time allocated to P.E.lessons on the timetable.

Brain Gym

All teachers have attended a training session and pack so Brain Gym can be incorporated into the daily routine for 5-10 minutes.

Playtime activity

Playtime equipment

A range of playtime equipment has been purchased to encourage active break times and positive behaviour. This includes skipping ropes, balls, hoops and beanbags. It is organised on a trolleywhich the children access independently.

Fitbods

Midday supervisors implement Fitbod activities at lunchtimes. This involves the children taking part inactivities, such as cricket, basketball, bowling and non specific games.

Out of School Hours Activity

Wake Up and Shake Up

Wake Up and Shake Up runs on a Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8.30am – 8.55am. This involves a range of aerobic dances and routines to music.

After school clubs

There is currently an extensive range of physical activity clubs available to the children. These include dance, football, gymnastics and multi-sports. (See Appendix 3).

School travel plan

The school does have an up to date travel plan in place.

School Sport Partnership

Dimple Well is heavily involved in the School Sport Partnershipprogramme. It is through this scheme that staff training is undertaken and links made with local community clubs. The pupilsare given opportunity to participate in organised sporting events with other local schools.

Implementation and monitoring

Assessment, recording and reporting

Assessment and evaluation is an ongoing process throughout all P.E. lessons. Assessment in games, dance and gymnastics is carried out at the end of each unit of work.

Thorough assessment of a child’s physical abilities is reported to parents once a year. This includes judgements against the National Curriculum levels of attainment.

Evidence of assessment should include:

Skills

Relationships

Attitudes

Safety

Expected Learning Outcomes by the end of the reception year and at age 7 are available in the Val Sabin Manuals and QCA documentation.

Feedback to pupils

Feedback to pupils is offered through observation, individual instruction and discussion about their work.

Recognising pupil achievement

Pupils’ achievements are recognised and celebrated by:

showing work in class

awards and recognition in celebration assembly

participation in OSHL activities

visiting coaches/clubs

sports day

displays/photographs

Monitoring quality of P.E.

The coordinator and Head teacher are responsible for monitoring the planning and delivery of high quality physical activity.

Conclusion

This policy is a working document and will be reviewed regularly to reflect current practise. As a schoolwe are proactive in our desireto raise the standard and quality of physical activity, by ensuring the activities we provide are balanced, stimulating and of sufficient intensity to improve the health and well being of the whole ‘Dimple Well family’.

Agreed by Staff: November 2011

Agreed by Governors: March 2012