Inclusive PE for children with SEND boosted by Inclusion 2028
Inclusive PE is a key focus for the UK Government, and to promote it further, an initiative called Inclusion 2028 has been introduced. Inclusion 2028 is an ambitious programme that will provide improved access to PE for more than 240,000 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). What is Inclusion 2028 Inclusion 2028 is […]
Inclusive PE is a key focus for the UK Government, and to promote it further, an initiative called Inclusion 2028 has been introduced.
Inclusion 2028 is an ambitious programme that will provide improved access to PE for more than 240,000 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
What is Inclusion 2028
Inclusion 2028 is designed to transform the way PE is delivered to children with SEND. The programme aims to tackle the long-standing barriers that prevent these children from fully participating in PE, which is crucial for their physical health, social development and emotional well-being.
As part of this initiative, schools across the UK will get dedicated funding, training and resources. These will help ensure that every child, regardless of individual needs, has the opportunity to engage in meaningful PE activities. The DfE is pledging an initial £300,000 of funding for the first year of the programme.
The focus is not just on physical participation; it is also on making PE a fun, enjoyable and accessible experience for every child!
Why is Inclusive PE Important?
We covered in this blog post the importance of PE as a transformative experience, promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being.
However, that should not be limited to non-SEND children. While teachers have already adapted PE Planning’s lesson plans for SEND children, Inclusion 2028 will make it even easier for schools to provide inclusive PE lessons.
Inclusive PE is about changing the culture of physical education itself. By creating an environment where every child feels valued, included and supported, schools can use PE to build confidence, resilience and teamwork skills. This also encourages respect for diversity and promotes empathy among children of all abilities.
25% of disabled children regularly take part in PE, compared to 41% of their non-disabled peers, according to research. These stats underscore the need for a comprehensive, well-funded initiative, to break down barriers and improve PE for all children.
What Will Inclusion 2028 Provide?
Inclusion 2028 includes several essential components designed to ensure that PE is more inclusive and accessible:
- Teacher Training. Over 8,000 PE teachers and school staff will undergo specialised training to help them adapt lessons, modify activities and develop strategies to support children with a range of SEND.
- Inclusive Resources. Schools will receive inclusive PE materials that are designed to engage children with varying needs, from sensory impairments to physical disabilities. These resources will help teachers implement activities that promote participation, inclusion and fun.
- Collaborative Partnerships. The programme will work closely with specialist organisations like the Youth Sport Trust and Activity Alliance, which have decades of experience in promoting inclusive sport and PE. These partnerships will ensure that the programme’s guidelines and strategies are evidence-based and therefore effectively implemented.
How can you make PE more inclusive right now?
For Inclusion 2028 to be truly effective, schools must embrace a shift in mindset. It’s not enough to simply accommodate children with SEND. Schools need to actively promote inclusive practices across all areas of PE.
And you can start right now!
- Encouraging collaboration. Teachers, support staff and families can all help with tailoring PE and other activities to individual needs. Read how one teacher did this with PE Planning’s lesson plans.
- Fostering a positive, inclusive classroom culture. All children will be empowered to engage in physical activity, regardless of their abilities.
- Supporting social inclusion. Pair children with SEND peers, because this will encourage teamwork as well as mutual understanding.
Looking Ahead
The hope is that the Inclusion 2028 programme will create lasting change in the way PE is approached in primary schools. It also shows a strong commitment from the Government to inclusive education.
By prioritising inclusive PE, the programme aims to instill a culture of acceptance, respect and equal opportunity, not only in PE but across all areas of school life. Ongoing training, resources and expert support will, we hope, ensure that inclusive PE becomes a natural and integral part of every school’s curriculum.
Do you need help with making PE more inclusive? Have you used or adapted PE lesson plans to make physical activities more inclusive? If so, we’d love to hear from you, and share your stories and successes! And, if you need help or advice with any type of PE lesson activities, get in touch with the PE Planning team, or drop us a message on our socials!
