Children starting primary school this September are likely to be part of the most inactive generation in history, and the first who can expect to live shorter lives than their parents. We must act now to change this.
The Active Inspiration campaign is tackling this problem head on, working with 40 primary school teachers across the country to help redesign physical education lessons. The aim is to inspire children to love being active.
We welcome the government’s A New Strategy for Sport consultation and it is our belief that schools will play a vital role providing an intervention. Yet, at present, the majority of primary schools are not equipped to provide this.
Teachers typically receive minimal training in the provision of PE; Active Inspiration research shows over a quarter of primary school teachers do not feel qualified to teach the subject. In addition, the syllabus remains focused on nurturing the skills of children who have a propensity for competitive sport – the minority rather than the majority. With no other point of reference, this is leading many children to conclude being physically active is not for them.
We must approach the way we teach PE to our children from a more inclusive starting point – one that puts promoting physical literacy first. We must help every child foster a lifelong love of being active, and we must help teachers give young people active experiences that they want to come back to, regardless of their ability. We hope the government’s consultation concludes the same.
The Active Inspiration partners:
Richard Branson Founder, Virgin Group
Sally Morgan Former head of Ofsted
Matt Merrick European chief operating officer, Virgin Active
Professor Margaret Whitehead Leading academic on physical literacy, visiting professor at the University of Bedfordshire
Alan Watkinson PE teacher and former PE teacher of Mo Farah
