There are tools to help schools adapt PE lessons for children and young people with physical difficulties.
Activity Inclusion Model
The Activity Inclusion Model looks at how activities can be altered so that everyone can access PE. It consists of 4 approaches:
- open activities (everyone takes part). These are simple activities that the class can do together with few adjustments
- modified activities (pupils do the same activity in different ways). Adaptations are made to support the inclusion of some pupils
- parallel activities (pupils are organised in ability groups). Everyone takes part in a variation of the same activity
- specific activity (for pupils with a disability). Pupils with a disability take part in a unique activity
Watch the Activity Inclusion Model video to find out more.
Space, Task, Equipment, People (STEP)
Schools can also use the STEP approach to change an activity for pupils with a physical difficulty.
Space is where the activity is taking place. Changing this includes:
- making the area bigger or smaller to vary the challenge
- dividing the playing area into different zones
Task is the activity that is happening. It can be adapted to support or challenge different pupils.
Equipment includes the resources used. Using different equipment helps pupils with physical difficulties take part in PE.
People are those taking part. This can be adjusted so that there are different numbers of people on teams to balance a game.
Watch the STEP video to find out more.
Top tips from children and young people with disabilities
Children and young people told us that to help them to take part in physical activities:
- make the activity fun
- consider our friendship groups as we feel safe with them
- have different choices for different ability levels
- have equipment for everyone’s needs and adapt it if required
- competition scares us if it’s done in the wrong way
- structure makes us feel safe
- have simple rules that we can understand
- engage our families so they can help us outside of school
Source: Public Health Dorset, 2022