At Emscote Infant School, we recognise the importance of physical activity in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and development. We want all children to develop a love of being active and to understand the benefits of exercise for both their physical and mental health.

Through high-quality PE lessons and a wide range of sporting opportunities, children develop confidence, resilience, teamwork and good sportsmanship. We aim to inspire every child to enjoy movement, challenge themselves and develop positive attitudes towards lifelong participation in physical activity.

Intent

At Emscote Infant School, we believe Physical Education plays a vital role in children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.

Our PE curriculum enables children to:

• Develop fundamental movement skills and physical confidence.
• Experience a broad range of physical activities, including gymnastics, dance, games and athletics.
• Build resilience, teamwork, leadership and cooperation skills.
• Understand the importance of fairness, respect and inclusion.
• Develop healthy lifestyle habits and recognise the benefits of regular exercise.
• Improve their physical and mental wellbeing through active participation.

We are committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of ability, can access and enjoy PE and experience success within a supportive and inclusive environment. 

Implementation

Early Years Foundation Stage

Physical Development is an integral part of the EYFS curriculum. Children engage in a wide range of activities that develop both gross and fine motor skills through indoor and outdoor provision, structured teaching and child-initiated play. Opportunities for movement and physical development are embedded throughout the school day.

Key Stage 1

PE is taught by class teachers, the PE Lead, specialist coaches and external providers. Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure progression in knowledge, skills and vocabulary from Reception through to Year 2.

Children take part in a range of activities including:

• Dance
• Gymnastics
• Fundamental movement skills
• Invasion games
• Team games
• Athletics and multi-skills activities

Teaching focuses on developing competence, confidence and enjoyment, enabling children to build on prior learning and apply skills in different contexts.

To enrich our curriculum, children also benefit from:

• Specialist coaching and staff training through partnerships with local sports organisations.
• Extra-curricular clubs offered throughout the year.
• Active lunchtimes and playground opportunities.
• Participation in local sporting events and competitions through the Central Warwickshire School Sports Partnership and other community organisations.
• Opportunities to develop reading and subject-specific vocabulary within PE lessons.

Impact

Through our PE curriculum, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to lead active and healthy lives.

At Emscote Infant School, you will see:

• Children who enjoy participating in physical activity.
• Children who demonstrate teamwork, resilience and positive sportsmanship.
• Children who are increasingly confident in their physical abilities.
• Children who understand the importance of healthy lifestyles.
• Children who develop a lifelong appreciation of sport, exercise and wellbeing.

The impact of our curriculum is monitored through pupil discussions, teacher assessment, curriculum monitoring and participation in sporting opportunities both within and beyond school.

Inclusion and SEND

We believe that every child should be able to participate and succeed in PE.

Learning is adapted using the STEP approach (Space, Task, Equipment and People) to ensure activities are accessible, appropriately challenging and enjoyable for all learners. Staff carefully consider individual needs and provide additional support where required so that every child can make progress and experience success.

Developing gross and fine motor skills is particularly important for children with SEND, supporting learning across the wider curriculum, including writing, mathematics and creative subjects.

Our PE curriculum reflects our school vision:

Working Together, Valuing Everyone, Learning for Life.