Children and Young People’s Services Overview and

Scrutiny Panel

Physical Activity and Extra-Curricular Activities in Schools

March 2015 Task Group Councillor(s)

Sheila Seddon – ChairmanStephen GloverJimmy JacksonPat JacksonCharlie PrestonLisa PrestonTheresa Sims

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Table of Contents Page

Chairman’s Foreword 3

Introduction and Terms of Reference 4

Method of Investigation 5

Background 5 - 9

Findings 9 - 20

Conclusions 21 - 23

Recommendations 24 - 26

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Chairman’s Foreword and Acknowledgements

Councillor: Sheila SeddonChairman of the Scrutiny Task Group

Physical Education …or PE as we all know it…is an integral part of school life for our pupils, be it football, rugby, netball or even a newer activity such as Zumba. Physical activity amongst children and young people is essential to help their bodies grow, maintain a healthy lifestyle and socialise with their peers.

Government guidance indicates that children aged 5 to18 years should be undertaking at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and should minimise the amount of time spent sitting for extended periods. However, the Department for Education (DfE) has an expectation that all schools will provide at least two hours a week of PA and sport.

I was encouraged to find that our schools are providing a good standard of physical activity for their pupils, including school clubs, both within the curriculum and extra activities. And that our schools are working in partnership with the Council.

Although the findings of this scrutiny report indicate that our schools are providing a good standard, continued emphasis of physical activity within schools and our community is needed. Levels of obesity are high and fitness levels in our children are low. Obesity is a significant issue for our children and young people it’s prevalence in children is strongly correlated with deprivation. It can be associated with emotional and behavioural problems from a very young age and mental health problems in obese children include lower levels of physical activity, low self- esteem, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and weight-based teasing. Overweight and obese youths have an increased risk of becoming overweight adults. Childhood obesity is significantly associated with a lower general health score, more GP visits, more school absenteeism.

For adults and children the cost to the NHS locally is more than £14.5m and £47m to our local economy, in lost work days etc. Source: Public Health England and National Audit Office.

The task group visited several of our schools, both primary and secondary to talk to staff and pupils about their perception of ‘PE’. We gained some valuable knowledge but most of all learnt that the majority of our pupils enjoy the sports on offer. We also talked to Gordon Pennington at Saints RFC about their involvement with our schools.

I would like to thank for their time and comments all the Schools we visited, both staff and pupils, schools for returning the survey, Councillors who sat on the task group, Council Officers and Gordon Pennington from St Helens RFC.

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1.0 Introduction and Terms of Reference

1.1 During the process of agreeing the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2014/2015 the Council’s Children and Young People Service’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel agreed to look at the Physical Activity and Extra-Curricular Activities in Schools.

1.2 The aim of the review was to investigate what level of physical activity schools offer to pupils both during and after schools hours and how this is beneficial to young people’s wellbeing.

1.3 The terms of the review were as follows:

To investigate how many hours of actual physical activity pupils undertake on a weekly basis at each of our schools.

To document what extra curriculum activities are on offer to the pupils of St.Helens schools.

To establish how schools spent the Primary Sports Premium grant they received in 2013 and 2014 and what (if any) consultation was undertaken with pupils.

To investigate if schools comply with the requirements of the Primary Sports Premium grant by publishing how it was used on their website.

To learn about the Change 4 Life programme in schools and see how this transpires throughout the year with the establishment of change for life champions and peer activity leaders.

To look at participation and engagement amongst KS4 pupils, particularly girls and identify how barriers can be overcome.

To examine any available data from recent surveys i.e. Youth Sports Trust to get an understanding of the national picture.

To examine borough wide statistical data on patterns of obesity and look at links between wellbeing, behaviour, achievement and healthy weight.

2.0 Method of the Investigation

We checked our School websites to establish what information has been published with regards to the Primary Sports Premium.

We visited various schools to establish any good practice.

We talked with staff and pupils to get a feel for the ethos of the school with regards to physical activity.

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We met with schools who are proactively trying to overcome barriers relating to the dis-engagement of young girls in KS4 towards physical activity.

We met with Gordon Pennington to discuss schools use of the Saints Programme.

3.0 Background

3.1 ‘PE’ …..

3.2 We can all remember ‘PE’, physical education classes many years ago, hockey, netball, football and athletics….communal changing rooms and showers…. Things have changed over the years and Physical Activity (PA) lessons now offer a wide range of sports and activities including the traditional sports and some more unusual ones, and updated, modern and more private changing facilities.

3.3 Public Health raised concerns about the levels of PA in our schools which is where the initial idea for the Scrutiny review came from. Levels of obesity and fitness levels in our children have had national press coverage with approximately 28% of 2 to 15 year olds being overweight. In terms of immediate health risks this is largely seen in adults but it also has significant effects on children and young people. There are a growing number of reports of obese children suffering type 2 diabetes; a condition previously found almost entirely in adults. Obese children are likely to suffer stigmatisation. In a recent school survey in St Helens children reported that if they had been bullied the most common reason was due to weight and size.

3.4 If a child is obese in their early teens, there is a higher likelihood that they will become an obese adult, with related health problems in later life hence an overweight and obese population of children will store up health problems for the borough as they grow into adulthood. There are also significant intergenerational effects; children in families where at least one parent is obese are much more likely to be obese themselves.

3.5 Government guidance indicates that children aged 5 to18 years should be undertaking at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day and should minimise the amount of time spent sitting for extended periods. So Scrutiny would like to investigate how much PA takes place in our schools and what is on offer to our young people. The Department for Education (DfE) has an expectation that all schools will provide two hours a week of PA and sport.

3.6 Physical activity can be running in the playground, skipping, climbing, playing team games or activities during the PE lessons, all these activities and more could contribute to the suggested time spent exercising a day.

3.7 The Government has committed funding for the Primary Sports Premium to 2020, with £750m to be invested over this time. The investment builds on the £150m a year ring fenced funding currently committed for schools until 2016 to increase primary PE and sport opportunities. This is ring fenced funding - allocated directly to primary schools across England, and became effective in September 2013.

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3.8 Primary schools are allocated an annual set rate of Primary Sports Premium of £8000 plus £5 per pupil, Schools must spend the additional funding on improving their provision of PE and sport, but they will have the freedom to choose how they do this. Schools are requested, as a condition of the funding to publically publish, the grant amount and how and what they have spent it on.

3.9 Possible uses for the funding might include:

hiring specialist PE teachers or qualified sports coaches to work with primary teachers when teaching PE

supporting and engaging the least active children through new or additional Change 4 Life clubs

paying for professional development opportunities for teachers in PE and sport

providing cover to release primary teachers for professional development in PE and sport

running sport competitions, or increasing pupils’ participation in the School Games

buying quality assured professional development modules or materials for PE and sport

providing places for pupils on after school sports clubs and holiday clubs

pooling the additional funding with that of other local schools.

3.10 Ofsted are monitoring and reporting on how effective schools have used this grant and staff and Governors are expected to be able to demonstrate this during an inspection.

3.11 The Youth Sports Trust (YST) has been working with schools for almost 20 years to support the development and delivery of PE in schools. Since 2010, there has been no national PE and school sport survey undertaken. Without this information there is a lack of valid national information around provision, the activity levels of pupils, and trends across PE and physical activity.

3.12 The YST completed a new survey in 2014, coinciding with National School Sport Week in June. It was not in the same depth as previous surveys but it responds to schools requests to have a national record of provision as well as providing individual schools with a bench marking report, however results have not been made available.

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3.13 National Child Measurement Programme

Below are two graphs to provide a summary for St.Helens with regards to percentages of overweight and obese children compared to England, and two maps to show the demographics of the results following the national child measurement programme.

Percentage of children in St.Helens who are overweight by school year

Percentage of children in St.Helens who are obese by school year

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3.14 Change 4 Life

3.15 Change 4 Life is a Public Health England campaign launched to inspire parents to encourage their children and themselves to ‘eat well’ and ’move more’ to ‘live longer’. There is a dedicated website with lists of local activities, local support groups, eating healthy tips and guidance and exercise plans. Schools are also being encouraged to get involved with the Change 4 Life programme through setting up and delivering a Change 4 Life club on their site. To support the roll out of these clubs schools have been offered a 3 hour workshop for the member of staff in charge of the club. They have also been given an extensive equipment bag which has a range of activities which can be used to engage the children. Target age group for the club is 7-9 years old.

3.16 St. Helens Council’s Public Health section undertakes an annual Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey, inviting pupils in years 6, 8 and 10 from all the boroughs primary and secondary schools to take part. Questions cover a wide variety of areas such as, information, advice and guidance, diet, dental health, physical activity, alcohol, smoking and drugs, and staying safe. The results give an indication of what our pupils think of these subjects and have been collated into a report.

4.0 Findings4.1 St. Helens Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey 2014

4.2 The results of the 2014 Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey have been collated into a report. The findings give us an understanding of how our young people think about certain issues and have given Public Health and other relevant services guidance on what areas need further resources to enhance them.

4.3 The survey showed that three-quarters of primary school pupils and six out of ten secondary school pupils reported doing less than two hours of physical activities in school lessons per week. Around a fifth of all pupils reported spending over three hours being active per week in out of school clubs. However, half of year 6 and year 8 pupils don’t participate in any physical activity in school clubs, and this figure increased to three-quarters of year 10 pupils.

4.4 The report also states that the survey showed that over one third of year 6 pupils were classified as overweight or very overweight with low levels of physical activity being one of the main causes.

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4.5 The following tables have been extracted from the survey and show the amount of time spent being active, by school year:

In lessons None Less than 2 hours 2-3 hours 3-5 hoursAt schoolYear 6 15% 59% 20% 6%Year 8 11% 51% 30% 9%Year 10 11% 51% 30% 8%At a clubNot at schoolYear 6 31% 26% 25% 18%Year 8 41% 17% 20% 22%Year 10 46% 11% 17% 25%At a schoolClubYear 6 49% 41% 8% 2%Year 8 58% 27% 10% 5%Year 10 74% 16% 7% 2%Playing outWith friendsYear 6 16% 28% 26% 29%Year 8 18% 27% 21% 34%Year 10 29% 25% 16% 30%

Base: Year 6 = 1271-1341; Year 8 = 650-710; Year 10 = 955-1043

Average time spent per week being active, by school year:

Base: Year 6 = 1271-1341; Year 8 = 650-710; Year 10 = 955-1043

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4.6 Sainsbury’s School Games Mark

4.7 The Sainsbury's School Games Mark is a Government led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. Schools in England are able to assess themselves across bronze, silver and gold levels of the mark.

4.8 2014 - Last academic year, the following local schools were awarded various levels;

Gold (2) St Aidans / Bleak Hill

Silver (5) Allanson Street / Eccleston Lane Ends / St Theresa / Parish / Cowley International College

Bronze (11) Lansbury Bridge / Mill Green / Rainhill St Anns / Sutton Oak / St Austins / Carr Mill / Holy Spirit / Grange Valley / St James / Rectory / St Marys Junior

4.9 St.Helens Sainsbury’s School Games

4.10 There are around 30 sports for schools to choose from and decide which are best for them to compete in on a local and regional level, the sports are organised by the Council’s Sports Development Officer (School Games) and Bleak Hills School Games Organiser and are undertaken throughout the school academic year.

4.11 The following figures demonstrate what was achieved in the borough during the period September 2013 – July 2014;

24 events in 16 different sports for primary schools. 3474 pupils (2154 Boys & 1320 Girls). 96% of primary schools participated in St Helens wide events. Special Schools have been involved in 4 events. 246 Young Leaders from 7 high schools plus Lansbury Bridge School helped

deliver St Helens events. 6 schools have achieved the School Games Mark Award for the academic

year 2013-14 to date. 93% of primary schools are signed up to the Sainsbury’s School Games

website, well above the national average. 22 CPD course opportunities delivered to staff. An estimated 40,000 plus, pupil hours of training and participation in sport

and physical activity.

It is clear from the figures above that schools enjoy taking part in the games organised and that large numbers of pupils benefit.

4.12 Primary Sports Premium Grant

4.13 All the primary schools in the St.Helens borough received the Primary Sports Premium Grant, as a condition of the grant, details should be published by each individual school. However, we reviewed each schools website and found that on only 71% of primary school sites and 33% of special school

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sites had any information published on them, and the detail given varied greatly, although a proforma has been issued by the Local Authority to assist schools with this.

4.14 Information published varied from comprehensive breakdowns and plans to a simple few sentences, with the latter not fulfilling the grants requirements. Ofsted will be taking this information into account when inspecting schools, also asking Headteachers and Chairs of Governing Bodies what they know about how and what the grant funding is being spent on.

4.15 The Youth Sports Trust (YST) Annual Sports Survey

4.16 The last annual sports survey to be undertaken by the YST was back in 2010, the information below shows data gathered for St Helens against the national average;

St.Helens National Average Across the authority access 2 hours of PE

88% 84%

Access 3 hours of PE and sport

62% 57%

Intra school competition (on school site)

82% 78%

Inter school competition (between schools)

48% 49%

Club links per school (community sports clubs used by schools)

15 links 9 links

access community clubs 36% 33%Gifted and talented 7.5% 8%Leaders (30% key stage 1) 34% 38%

4.17 The results above show that back in 2010 St.Helens was above the national average in five of the areas and slightly below in the remaining three areas. However, due to the YST not undertaking this survey since 2010 we were unable to compare more recent data.

4.18 Change 4 Life

4.19 The Change 4 Life scheme organised by Public Health England is a great opportunity for our primary schools to encourage the pupils to get involved. We heard from the pupil we talked to that they enjoy running the activity clubs and using the ‘class bags’ of equipment that was provided by the scheme. Currently 23 from our 54 primary schools are involved and 2 special schools.

4.20 There are pupil ‘ambassadors’ that run the clubs, some before school begins, breaks and lunch times and some of the schools we visited had display boards up promoting Change 4 Life. The pupils said that they encourage other pupils to join in and enjoy all the activities together.

4.21 Public Health at St.Helens Council are currently undertaking a Change 4 Life impact case study. This case study will explore the impact that the Change 4 Life clubs are having within the schools.

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4.22 It will focus on the following areas:

Participation and engagement in particular for previously inactive children

Increased knowledge of healthy food and physical activity choices

How the Change 4 Life scheme has been embedded and grown within the life of the school

Recommendations for the Change 4 Life Project

What challenges have the school experienced?

Uptake of children going onto an afterschool club.

4.23 Scrutiny School Survey

4.24 The task group issued a brief survey, in conjunction with Public Health, to all the boroughs primary, secondary and special schools. The survey asked brief questions with regards to hours of physical activity undertaken per week, activities on offer, pupil choices and best practice.

4.25 38 from 54 of the primary schools and 7 from 9 secondary schools, however none of the special schools responded to the survey, following analysing the responses the following data was documented;

On average 88% of primary schools deliver 2 or hours or more of physical activity to pupils as part of their weekly curriculum, compared to an average of 68% in secondary schools.

In secondary schools, all key stage 3 pupils receive between 1.5 and 2 hours of physical education each week; whereas at key stage 4 only 64% of pupils do.

75% of primary schools offer 5 or more different activities.

25% of primary schools offer 10 or more different activities.

All secondary schools offer 5 or more different activities.

71% of secondary schools offer 10 or more different activities.

Almost half of the primary schools stated they used the Change 4 Life clubs to encourage less active pupils to take part in extra-curricular activities.

Some schools reported that they keep the cost of clubs and extra-curricular low or free in order to accommodate for all pupils.

Secondary Schools stated that to engage pupils they;

o Held internal and external sporting events, e.g. sports dayso Arranged special activities e.g. army residential and cycling

challenges

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o Ensured that school teams open practices to all pupils and have teams of varying abilities

Schools were asked how they consulted with pupils about the extra curriculum activities on offer; 61% of primary and 67% of secondary schools reported that they used the school council to communicate what activities pupils would like to participate in if available.

The majority of primary schools (71%) reported that they faced challenges in providing 2 hours of PE due to a busy curriculum timetable. Access to the hall or facilities was recognised as an issue at 45% of primary schools. Additionally, 42% of primary schools reported staff time as a challenge in delivering adequate physical education.

The majority of secondary schools (86%) stated that staff time and availability was the principal limitation in providing 2 hours of curriculum PE. Additionally, a busy curriculum timetable was a challenge faced by 71% of secondary schools. Furthermore, access to swimming facilities and transport and activity costs were other key limitations for secondary schools.

A more detailed analysis can be found at appendix 1.

4.26 We also asked some of the pupils similar questions and received a variety of comments:

Things pupils said they liked:

Liked being with my friends, It’s exciting, dancing with my classmates, Makes you feel fit and lessons are fun, We do lot of different activities, Inter-house competitions are fun, Makes you fit and strong.

Things pupil suggested for improvements included:

Being able to take water bottles into PE lessons, Having different sessions each week, Ask the children what they want to do, letting us choose the sport we

want to do, taster sessions to see if you like the activity, Longer lessons, but with some time to do what we want to play, More equipment.

4.27 Site Visits to Local Schools

4.28 The task group visited a variety of local primary and secondary schools to talk with staff and pupils. We observed PE lessons and asked the children what they liked best and if the teachers had consulted with them when deciding which sports would be undertaken.

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4.29 Allanson Street Primary

4.30 This was the first school the task group visited, we met firstly with the Headteacher who explained how they have used the Sports Premium Grant which has been heavily backed by the use of the Pupil Premium funding. The school has published a statement on their website to document the amount and what the Sports Premium Grant has been used for. The School currently has a silver kite mark from the Sainsburys sports scheme, Key Stage 1 pupils have one hour of PE a week and Key Stage 2 pupils are timetabled for two hours of PE a week.

4.31 The School has a dedicated PE lead teacher, who talked to the task group about the schools aims with regards to PE and explained that the School takes part in the majority of events and tournament organised by the Council and finished in the top few in the borough’s league table.

4.32 The School also has close working links with Lansbury Bridge School and often uses the sports facilities including the swimming pool, also the facilities at Haydock High School are used by the pupils. Allanson Street Primary School also has the added benefit of the Thompson Centre being located on site, which adds another sports hall for the schools use. The Thompson Centre is also used for after school clubs and by the community.

4.33 The task group talked to a group of 11 pupils from a range of year groups. The pupils explained about the games and sports they take part in and what they most enjoyed. Three ambassadors for the ‘Change 4 Life’ scheme chatted about what roles they have, these three year 6 girls helped encourage other pupil to join in sports and they hold a ‘wake up and shake up’ class each morning before classes start amongst other duties.

4.34 The School is dedicated to improving the pupils lives with the use of PE and sport and a wide range of activities are offered, the task group watched a gym class and also a dance class held in the Thompson Centre by an external teacher. The School uses external teachers / specialists to provide an extended PE curriculum. The School does not charge pupils for any activities they provide.

4.35 A small group of PE staff across the borough have been designated as ‘sports champions’ to assist other schools in the approach to PE and sport, although at the time of the task group visit no schools in the borough had requested their guidance.

4.36 Bleak Hill Primary

4.37 The school has the great benefit of hosting one of the two ‘Schools Games Organiser’ posts which exist within St Helens Council. ‘Schools Games Organiser’, being located on site for part of the week, who also teaches the PE curriculum for two days a week during this time, two hours of PE is timetabled for the whole school. The school has fully utilised the Sports Premium Grant but has also supported PE and sports through their delegated budget, they have published a comprehensive action plan on their website with regards to the Sports Premium Grant.

4.38 The task group chatted to a group of 12 pupils from years 4, 5 & 6, the children listed all the sports and activities they took part in, including football,

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rugby and netball to cricket, dance, athletics and swimming, even a ‘santa dash’. They stated that they took part in lots of sports clubs outside of school and knew about healthy diets and eating.

4.39 The school has numerous display boards around the school, including Change 4 Life, explaining healthy eating, certain sports and the trophies are on display in the main entrance hall. All pupils take part in sport at different levels, and the school enters the majority of tournaments organised by the Councils School Development Team, finishing near the top of the league table in the borough.

4.40 The school also won ‘PE School of the Year’ last year awarded by Merseyside Sports Partnership, has earned Sainsburys Gold kite mark for sports and is part of the Change 4 Life scheme. The School also has a comprehensive website which is updated weekly with PE and sports news.

4.41 It was evident from discussions with the school staff that the PE and sport provision within the School is driven by the Senior Management Team, however it was also stated that in some schools this can be slow and therefore reflects on their sports provision.

4.42 Concerns were also raised about the ‘drop ‘out’ level once pupils attend secondary schools, up to 80% of pupils become disengaged with sport, only taking part in the statutory lessons.

4.43 Eccleston Lane Ends Primary

4.44 Eccleston Lane Ends Primary School has a dedicated PE Lead member of staff, who met with the task group to discuss the Schools approach to PE. There is also a lead member of staff for the Change 4 Life scheme, each class has its own activity bag and a large display was on show in the hall and the School has earned Sainsburys Silver kite mark for sports.

4.45 Inside and outside space is limited at the School but this does not hinder the delivery of physical activity and sports and all pupils receive two hours of PE a week. Specialist sports teachers and coaches have been hired by the School using their Sports Premium Grant and full use of this funding has been published by the School on their website.

4.46 The task group met with a group of eight pupils from years 4, 5 & 6, the pupils talked about how much they enjoyed the PE lessons, inter-house games, Olympic day and the annual sports day.

4.47 Various motivating schemes have been established such as ‘Wheelie Wednesday’, where pupils are encouraged to cycle to school to gain points. ‘Funky Feet’ where pupils walk to school and can they wear their own shoes for the day. Pupils are also encouraged to bring their PE kit as again points are given and at the end of the term the winner can wear their own sports kit.

4.48 There are a wide selection of activities and sports on offer which include swimming lessons, however the School has had to hire a swimming pool out of borough due to class sizes and local availability. The School enters competitions on a frequent basis which the pupils stated they really enjoyed.

4.49 Some extra curriculum activities are charged for.

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4.50 Sherdley Primary

4.51 Sherdley Primary School has two members of staff who are responsible for the delivery of PE provision which the task group met with. We were impressed with their commitment and dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of their pupils. The School was welcoming and pupils whom we spoke to and observed were engaged and positive about the provision of activities provided by the school.

4.52 The school offers a good wide range of activities, from football, gymnastics, netball, dance, basketball and judo both during school hours and after hours. Pupils have the opportunity to participate in both before and after school activities – the school has recently engaged with parents to utilise their skills/talents and are now able to provide a gymnastics club. The club is £5 per half term, however fees are not a barrier to participation, as funding can be used for those pupils who are unable afford it. A judo club is due to start next half term.

4.53 Some extra- curricular clubs are run by school staff and are free to all pupils. Due to health and safety there is a limit of up to 20 children per club. PE lessons are held on a Monday and Friday every week throughout the school. The regularity helps to reduce the numbers of forgotten PE kits.

4.54 All Pupils receive two hours of PE per week. Swimming lessons at Parr pool are provided to Year 4 children over two terms. The school works with Liverpool Football Club who come into the school and deliver PE sessions which are funded by the Primary Sports Premium. The club works hard to engage all pupils and in particular targets those who are deemed vulnerable. The task group watched a game of dodge ball – all the pupils taking part were fully engaged and participated well.

4.55 We spoke to a number of pupils who told us about the activities they participated in and what they enjoyed about the various clubs/activities offered by the school. All were very enthusiastic and willing to try different activities. They had recently completed a questionnaire asking them what sports/clubs they would like to try. The school was trying to provide some of the things which were asked for.

4.56 The school had a strong focus on physical activity during PE – pupils were encouraged to take part rather than sitting and watching. Years 5 and 6 were encouraged to help other pupils participate and join in team games and midday activities. It was felt that it was important that pupils worked at a level of intensity which raised their heart rate and made them breathless.

4.57 The school promote activate (wake up and shake up) and all pupils have a 2x5 minute sessions per day, before lessons begin and after the lunch period. Teachers believe this is having a good impact in the classroom and all children seem to be enjoying it.

4.58 Cowley International College

4.59 The secondary school holds the sports Silver kite mark from Sainsburys and the PE Department has been graded as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. The School benefits from having St.Helens rugby team Saints training facility on site

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which is extremely motivational for the pupils who also have chances to train with them.

4.60 Both Key Stage 3 and 4 are timetabled for two hours of PE lessons a week. This is enhanced by various lunchtime and after school clubs, including Saturday morning training sessions, the School benefits from a large sports hall, gymnasium, three outside fields and enclosed 3G (versatile artificial turf pitches).

4.61 The task group met with members of PE staff who explained how the section operates. They have acknowledged that not all pupils enjoy the same sports and have included activities such as dance, Zumba, cycling, fencing etc to engage all pupils. PE staff stated that if girls start to fall out of PE activities they still generally enjoy the dance classes.

4.62 Incentives to join clubs such as attendance cards to earn ‘goody bags’ have been a great success in engaging pupils, the School says that the wide variety of sports and activities on offer ensures there is something for everyone.

4.63 The task group spoke to 12 pupils from various years, they stated they attend clubs and enjoy the activities on offer. They said the teachers made them work hard during lessons and included everyone in the lessons activities. Sports kit can be borrowed from school so there is no excuse not to take part. The pupils said they would like to take part in a sports leadership course if it was offered.

4.64 De La Salle School

4.65 The School had a total rebuild in 2010 which took 30 months to complete at a cost of £20million, the Headteacher told the task group that the PE section and facilities went through difficult times with very limited facilities during the building programme.

4.66 However, PE featured highly in the re-build design of the School and the PE facilities are now extensive. There is a large sports hall, separate activity hall, fitness suite, dance studio, outside there is a MUGA pitch, athletic track, netball/tennis courts, rugby and football pitches and brand new changing facilities.

4.67 The PE staff teach small classes and have the chance to undertake a wide variety of activities, as well as year 10 and above being able to access the fitness suite. The whole school also takes part in an annual nine mile walk.

4.68 PE staff said that the pupils are keen, they felt that the transition from Year 6 to 7 was good and that most pupils take part in the classes, however they did say that they don’t really consult the pupils on what activities they would like. There seems to be a ‘drop out’ at Year 9 due to studying commitments, and this can be particularly seen in the dance class numbers.

4.69 The task group talked to seven pupils from across the year groups. Half of the group were very keen on sports and enjoyed activities in and outside of school. They said PE lessons are physical active, there are sports prefects and that they encourage all pupils to join in the fun.

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4.70 There are spare PE kits to borrow, and the boys seem to be more active during break and lunch times than the girls. The pupils said that they feel that time spent on PE declines as they get older due to other pressures and studies.

4.71 Lansbury Bridge School and Sports College

4.72 Lansbury Bridge School provides an educational setting for early years, primary, secondary and college aged school children (3 – 19 years) with a variety of complex learning needs. The school in its current format opened in 2005, following the closures of the Hurst and Hamlet schools, to accommodate the need of local children with additional needs.

4.73 The school has a variety of physical activity related facilities to accommodate the additional support to help pupils have a fulfilling physical education experience. Facilities include a pool, a hydrotherapy pool and a large sports hall. There is also a multi-sensory soft play area. The school also has outdoor facilities, including a large all weather court area for sports.

4.74 The task group observed a physical education lesson with the focus on tennis. The lesson was being provided for five children with a teacher and teaching assistant providing the lesson. To meet the needs of their pupils a number of resources were available. Namely a visual aid in the form of video presentations to help analyse technique with stages of a movement being provided as targets for the children. The children where then able to practice within the sports hall and refer back to the video when progressing.

4.75 The physical education takes a broad approach covering aspects of fitness, coordination and skills giving ample time to each component. PE staff explained the nature of the small groups is to be able to cater to pupils on an individual basis and offer flexibility in approaches to physical education allowing for a fulfilling experience.

4.76 The school also acts as a community hub allowing access of its facilities to other schools who may have pupils with additional needs or just looking to access the facilities on offer. It is also possible for community groups or organisations to hire the use of facilities.

4.77 After school activity clubs are also available such as the after school family cycling club which provides a safe space on site for families to enjoy cycling together. Adapted cycles are available.

4.78 Once a month the school also holds a community event which aims to encourage local elderly residents to visit the school with the opportunity to take part in activities such as Chairobics, Boccia and cycling.

4.79 Swimming Lessons

4.80 The task group members were concerned about levels of swimming in the borough so we investigated local figures. The National Curriculum states that all schools must provide swimming instruction either in key stage 1 or key stage 2. In particular, pupils should be taught to swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres.

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4.81 For this target the Northwest average is 57% and our current performance is 69%. Not all St.Helens schools use our pools, some travel to our of borough pools due to pool size and availability. However, of the 1960 year 6 pupils enrolled at our schools, 1620 or 83% have received lessons within the boroughs pools.

4.82 As part of the Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey 2014 pupils were asked about swimming. Around eight in ten pupils reported they could swim at least one length (approx. 25m), with an increase in each age group from 79% in Year 6 to 85% in Year 10. Less than 10% of all pupils can’t swim at all.

4.83 Saints Community Development Foundation with St Helens RFC

4.84 The task group met with Gordon Pennington from Saints Community Development Foundation (SCDF). Previously Saints provided multi skilled coaching in our schools, but from September 2014 Saints have been working towards providing a series of free coaching sessions to each of our primary and secondary schools. Although the main focus will be on rugby league, but also cheerleading in some schools.

4.85 Saints Foundation (SCDF) will be offering a free introductory session for teachers and Teaching Assistants (TA) - the first is likely to be in June 2015. The next stage is an offer to Teachers/TAs to gain an accredited qualification known as CAYPABLE. The first courses are likely to be in September 2015.

4.86 There is a cost of £25 for this qualification and workshop and becoming CAYPABLE.

4.87 Who should attend?

4.88 This three-hour workshop is aimed at teachers / staff working in schools and the children’s game team. This approach focuses on giving teachers / staff the appropriate activities to provide their pupils with movement development skills that underpin both core skills of rugby league and sport in general. Staff who attend will receive a resource pack to enable them to deliver this concept back in their own environment.

4.89 Hopefully if pupils are engaging, local clubs will be able to work with the schools if requested, potentially at a cost, to ensure that the level of coaching sessions and opportunities for the pupils is maintained. Of course, schools do not have to ‘buy in’ extra sessions and it is hoped that after the staff attend CAYPABLE coaching sessions that staff will feel confident to provide the lessons at school themselves.

4.90 The aim of schools engaging with one of the local clubs is to provide an ‘exit’ club for the pupils if they choose to join afterschool clubs, and hopefully identify our stars of the future. The cheerleading sessions are also very successful with Saints Angels being ranked 6th in Europe. 250 young people attend training sessions over five nights each week, which is aimed at all young people and engages with some pupils that would otherwise not feel comfortable joining in other sports.

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5.0 Conclusions

5.1 Following our site visits to several local schools, talking to staff, pupils and Council Officers, the task group was pleased to establish that our schools are providing a great PA offer to our pupils. There is a wide range of sports and activities that pupils can choose from, during school time and after school hours. Schools have dedicated staff to ensure the best is made of the time and resources available, although we acknowledge that schools have increasing pressures from other areas and some minor improvements could be made.

5.2 The 2014 Health and Wellbeing Pupil Survey records some valuable data from our schools. With the survey showing that three-quarters of primary school pupils and six out of ten secondary school pupils doing less than two hours of physical activities in school lessons per week, schools need to review their physical activity provision to ensure that this need is met wherever and whenever possible.

5.3 The report also states that the survey showed that over one third of year 6 pupils were classified as overweight or very overweight with low levels of physical activity being one of the main causes. These figures alone should be enough to prompt our schools to ensure pupils are undertaking adequate physical exercise during school time and be encouraging pupils out of school.

5.4 We can all agree that fit, healthy young people will achieve much more at school, both physically and academically and should be encouraged to join in physical activity whenever possible.

5.5 From our review of St.Helens primary / special schools websites it was apparent that although some have published very comprehensive information with regards to the Primary Sports Premium, others have only issued very basic information and 29% of primary schools and two thirds of special schools have not made any information available at all. The task group were informed that the Council’s Sports Development Team have issued schools with a proforma to assist with the publishing of the required information, although it was noted during the review that few schools utilise it.

5.6 Although the majority of Headteachers and Chairs of Governing Bodies are aware of the amount of Primary Sports Premium received and its planned

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uses, they should ensure they are able to fully demonstrate their understanding and compliance during Ofsted inspections.

5.7 It is imperative that schools understand the importance of the Primary Sports Premium Grant and the conditions attached to the grant, which include, issuing a statement of the planned use of the grant. Schools should utilise this funding to its full extent and in a way that will benefit the pupils the greatest.

5.8 The Sainsburys Schools Games Mark is an excellent award for schools to obtain. Although just 27% of St.Helens schools hold this award at various levels, the majority of our schools (96%) do take part in the events organised by the Council’s Sports Development Officer (School Games) and Bleak Hills School Games Organiser with regards to Sainsburys Schools Games, and it was encouraging to learn that schools are embracing this.

5.9 It would be inspirational for schools to work towards and achieve one of these awards for their school and would further highlight physical activity within the school environment.

5.10 The Change 4 Life scheme is an excellent opportunity for schools to work in partnership with the Council and Public Health. From our site visits it was evident that the children involved with the scheme really enjoyed being part of it and being given the opportunity to be ‘ambassadors’ was enabling them to develop skills for their futures.

5.11 It would be an excellent achievement if we could have all our schools taking the opportunity to be involved with Change 4 Life scheme and working in partnership with the Council.

5.12 The results of the school physical activity survey show that the majority of pupils are receiving adequate physical activity lessons during school hours, however some schools are much more engaged with this than others. This was also demonstrated when we visited a selection of schools and spoke to the pupils themselves. A wide range of activities are on offer and schools offer a good standard of physical activity to our pupils.

5.13 Secondary schools are keen to engage with KS4 pupils and offer a range of activities to encourage pupils to join in during curriculum lessons such as dance and Zumba. Although some secondary school pupils stated that in year 10 and 11 other curriculum options took priority over from PE lessons.

5.14 Schools also stated that the key challenges for providing more physical activity in core hours was a busy curriculum timetable and access to the facilities. We acknowledge that other pressures are being put on schools to deliver core curriculum subjects and to gain good exam results, but by reducing physical exercise lessons this puts the health and fitness of the pupils at risk.

5.15 During the task groups site visits to schools we spoke to both staff and children about their schools PE provision. Staff were open with us and pupils all said they enjoyed what was on offer for physical education and looked forward to PE lessons.

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5.16 Schools in the more disadvantaged areas of the borough stated that they provide out of school clubs and activities free of charge to encourage pupils to attend. However, schools in more affluent areas charged for the majority of their after school clubs, although these still had healthy attendance.

5.17 Pupils in some secondary schools told the task group that they were not always asked what activities they would like to take part in. But we did find that in the majority of primary and secondary schools pupils said that they were asked what new activities then could provide through the School Council and in school assemblies.

5.18 Saints Community Development Foundation with St Helens RFC offers a unique provision for our schools to learn coaching skills that they can use throughout the whole school. It was stated that the engagement so far has been slow from local schools. The task group feels that every school could benefit by accessing more of the CPD opportunities which are available not only through St Helens RFC but also through the wide menu available within the ‘Four Boroughs’ programme which is shared at the start of the academic year with all schools. This would not only support the development of staff but would also ensure that pupils are given a High Quality PE and school sport experience.

Appendix 1

Scrutiny Survey Summary

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6.0 Recommendations

1. A copy of this report be sent to all schools and Chairs of Governing Bodies for consideration.

2. Guidance should be communicated to all relevant schools in St.Helens to ensure that Schools understand that comprehensive information with regards to Primary Sports Premium Grant amounts and its uses are to be made public and updated on an annual basis to comply with grant conditions.

3. School Governing Bodies should encourage their schools to work towards the Sainsburys Schools Games Mark as an inspirational achievement.

4. Schools should give some consideration to providing some after school physical activity provision that is free to pupils of all levels and ages, if they do not already do so, to ensure that sport is made available to everyone.

5. Public Health should consider engaging again with the schools not yet involved with the Change 4 Life scheme to ensure all our schools benefit from the benefits of the scheme.

6. Consideration should be given by schools to hearing the ‘pupils voice’ when deciding new physical activities on their timetables / after school clubs.

7. Schools and Governing Bodies should consider being proactive in identifying and encouraging those less active to engage and participate in extracurricular activities.

8. Schools / Governing Bodies should be encouraged to engage with the Saints Programme to benefit from coaching training and consider signing up for at least one member of staff to attend the CAYPABLE courses 2015 - 2016.

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Physical Activity and Extra - Curricular Activities in Schools

Rec No

Recommendation Responsible Officer Agreed Action and Date of Implementation

1 A copy of this report be sent to all schools and Chairs of Governing Bodies for consideration.

2 Guidance should be communicated to all relevant schools in St.Helens to ensure that Schools understand that comprehensive information with regards to Primary Sports Premium Grant amounts and its uses are to be made public and updated on an annual basis to comply with grant conditions.

3 School Governing Bodies should encourage their schools to work towards the Sainsburys Schools Games Mark as an inspirational achievement.

4 Schools should give some consideration to providing some after school physical activity provision that is free to pupils of all levels and ages, if they do not already do so, to ensure that sport is made available to everyone.

5 Public Health should consider engaging again with the schools not yet involved with the Change 4 Life scheme to ensure all our schools benefit from the benefits of the scheme.

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Physical Activity and Extra - Curricular Activities in Schools

6 Consideration should be given by schools to hearing the ‘pupils voice’ when deciding new physical activities on their timetables / after school clubs.

7 Schools and Governing Bodies should consider bein proactive in identifying and encouraging those less active to engage and participate in extracurricular activities.

8 Schools / Governing Bodies should be encouraged to engage with the Saints Programme to benefit from coaching training and consider signing up for at least one member of staff to attend the CAYPABLE courses 2015 - 2016.

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