AfPE on new Government Guidance

AfPE are aware that the latest Government guidance document; ‘returning to schools’, 29th September has raised many questions for workforce colleagues in PE & Physical Activity.

 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirusoutbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools

Please see below some of the key points and AfPEs suggested approach. They are keen to stress that within the educational context, gov.uk is the only source for guidance documents and should be checked regularly. 

https://www.afpe.org.uk/physical-education/wp-content/uploads/afPE-Covid-19-FAQs-September-2020-Final-1.pdf

PE in the curriculum

Gov UK: Schools must do everything possible to minimise contacts and mixing while delivering a broad and balanced curriculum.

  • Broad and balanced curriculum -decided by your school leadership team
  • AFPE advocates that a broad & balanced PE curriculum is taught including: dance, gymnastics, games, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming.
  • Physical activities from recognised sports can be taught through the physical domain and creative approaches needed to ensure they remain on the curriculum.
  • Pupils should be kept in consistent groups
  • PE equipment should be thoroughly cleaned between each use by different groups/bubbles.

PE & Sport beyond the curriculum

The DfE guidance says “Both the approaches of separating groups and maintaining distance are not ‘all-or-nothing’ options and will still bring benefits even if implemented partially. Some schools may keep children in their class groups for the majority of the classroom time, but also allow mixing into wider groups for specialist teaching, wraparound care and transport.”

  • AFPE understands that this means schools can choose to make an exception to their arrangements in order to hold fixtures in sports where NGBs have approved guidance which permits such fixtures.
  • However, there is no obligation to engage in fixtures
  • Schools should carry out a thorough risk assessment considering the implications should there be a positive Covid case.
  • They must also access whether a fixture can be practically and safely carried out in the context of other considerations, such as restrictions on transport.
  • afPE’s position at the current time is that school fixtures should be avoided, as this will involve contact across schools, and increase the opportunities for virus transmission.
  • It is the responsibility of every school to minimise risks and therefore avoid any activities/sports that increase the risk.
  • Parents have every right to expect their children to be as safe as possible whilst in school.
  • Community activities are different because parents/carers choose to let their children take part.

 Please find full article in the resouces section below.

Resources

AFPE - COVID Guidance Sept 2020.docx 09/09/2020 17.4 KB

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