Sport and physical activity
By working together with schools, local government and our partners, ContinYou are helping to place sport, physical activity and healthy lifestyles at the heart of local communities.
This has become even more important in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as the excitement and culture of 2012 inspire more people to embrace healthier and more active lifestyles.
In recognising these benefits, the English government has invested significant funding in the PE and Sport Strategy for Young People (PESSYP). This ‘five hour offer’ is an ambition which lies at the heart of the legacy aims of London 2012 and is central to the government’s efforts to transform physical education (PE) and sport, through giving every young person in England access to five hours a week of high quality PE and sport.
Children and young people
From an early age, patterns of positive behaviour can be established through participation in physical activity. It can develop communication and language techniques, coordination, cooperation and social skills among young children. It is essential for the development of basic movement skills for a lifelong involvement in physical activity.
PE and sport therefore play an important role in school life. Participation can help to raise standards, increase attendance, improve behaviour and health, thus contributing to whole-school improvement.
Supporting documents
Sport and Maths Mini Guide (PDF file, 155 KB) – ContinYou. Part of the series about setting up and running study support clubs, this mini guide offers advice on using physical activity to link with and reinforce maths.
Raising Your Game (PDF file, 6 MB) – Youth Sport Trust. Using the sport specialism to raise achievement in English, Maths and Science
The Language of Sport (PDF file, 1.6 MB) – Youth Sport Trust. Raising achievement in languages using sport.
Parents and families
Parental engagement and family learning can positively impact on the health and wellbeing of all young people, leading to improved outcomes. Sporting activities are a powerful tool that can play an important role when targeted at the parents/carers of young people. It can be used to engage and involve children, young people and families in the process of learning to raise achievement and attainment in a safe and friendly environment.
Supporting documents
Ahead of the Game: Parental/Carer Involvement and Engagement (PDF file, 1.5 MB) – Youth Sport Trust. The spring 2009 edition looks at the ongoing emphasis placed on the importance of parents/carers and families in improving outcomes for all children and young people.
Special Educational Needs: A guide for parents and carers (PDF file, 1.2 MB) – Department of Children, Schools and Families. Information on Special Educational Needs with guidance, rights, support and contacts for parents and carers.
The Impact of Parental Involvement on Children’s Education (PDF file, 507 KB) - Department of Children, Schools and Families. This document draws together evidence on the impact of parental involvement on children’s education, the stages at which it is known to have an impact on children, and the types of activities that are shown to be influential.
Family Learning (PDF file, 133 KB) – Ofsted. An evaluation of the benefits of family learning for participants, their families and the wider community.
Communities
In addition to the obvious benefits of greater participation, sport is also a powerful platform from which to develop wider community learning. Whether as a participant, volunteer or spectator, sporting activates can result in purposeful learning outcomes and higher levels of achievement for recipients in the wider community. This can also lead to greater empowerment and community cohesion.
Central to the achievement of these aims across England are the network of 500 specialist Sports Colleges. Engaging with their local community, extending learning opportunities and raising achievement are key aspects of their role as centres of curriculum excellence. For more information on Sports Colleges please refer to the Infrastructure pages.
Supporting documents
Ahead of the Game: Working with Your Community – Youth Sport Trust. The summer 2009 edition looks at the range of ways that schools are working with their communities. ContinYou feature with a guest article, which reflects on addressing inequalities through community learning.
Guidance on the Duty to Promote Community Cohesion (PDF file, 270 KB) – Department of Children, Schools and Families. Looks at the ways in which schools can build on what is happening already in light of this duty.
