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Equality and Inclusion in Physical Education
Primary Times speaks with Paralympian, guest speaker, and CEO of ParalympicsGB David Clarke OBE, PLY to discuss the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in children’s sport
1. Can you tell us a bit more about the Equal Play Campaign and its aims?
The Equal Play campaign came about following powerful stories shared by Paralympians. While some athletes had inspiring teachers and inclusive PE lessons, many recounted a much different experience, unable to fully participate while their classmates enjoyed physical education. These personal stories were supported by data on disabled children’s participation in PE and school sport, with only 1 in 4 disabled children taking part in school sports regularly.
Wanting to act, ParalympicsGB launched the Equal Play campaign to address the inequalities that exist for disabled young people accessing PE. The solutions are complex but ParalympicsGB, in consultation with experts across education and disability, identified four tangible changes that could be made to better support teachers and schools:
• Empower teachers with the right tools, understanding and resources to deliver truly inclusive PE.
• Adapt teacher training to ensure the next generation of teachers have the skills and confidence to deliver truly inclusive PE.
• Redefine how PE is seen within the school curriculum, ensuring it becomes a priority across the education system.
• Increase the number of disabled people entering the teaching profession.
2. How do you think schools can ensure equal access for disabled students in sport?
Many PE lessons in schools are focused on established sports like football or netball. This can make it harder for young disabled people to join in and enjoy being active. ParalympicsGB is encouraging schools to think differently about PE and consider approaching lesson planning with physical literacy in mind. Lessons grounded in physical literacy empower all young people, but particularly young disabled people, to move with competence and confidence in various physical activities. Often ways to plan for this start with having a conversation with a disabled student and / or their parents and carers to support aspiration and understand what the child can do rather than can’t do.
3. How can teachers do their best to deliver accessible and inclusive PE lessons?
ParalympicsGB leads and supports several programmes designed to help schools and teachers create more accessible and inclusive physical education lessons and environments. These initiatives are free to use.
Get Set | Welcome to Get Set is the schools engagement programme by ParalympicsGB and Team GB. It offers teachers, young people, and others working with students a wide range of resources and activities that can be used in the classroom, playground, or community. The website also creates a space for schools to share best practices and learn from each other.
Inclusion 2024 inclusive education hub brings together essential resources for inclusive PE and school sports, all in one convenient space for educators. Developed by Activity Alliance, Youth Sport Trust, and the Department for Education, the hub aims to support PE teachers in engaging more disabled students in physical activity.
These programmes provide schools with the tools and guidance they need to ensure every child can participate and thrive in PE.
4. If inclusive PE is prioritised within the curriculum, what benefits and impact do you think this will have on students more widely?
When inclusive PE is delivered, students benefit in so many ways beyond improving physical health:
• Helps balance and coordination, social skills development, and behavioural improvement.
• Being active can reduce stress, improve mood, and build self-confidence.
• Exercise improves concentration and energy levels, helping children and young people perform better in their academic studies.
• PE encourages teamwork, communication, and collaboration, helping students build friendships and learn how to work with others.
• Teaching young people to enjoy being active sets them up to stay healthy throughout their lives, not just during their school years.