afPE CEO: Statement to the Workforce

afPE’s CEO, Sue Wilkinson MBE has today shared the following statement to the Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA) workforce:

“During the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the pandemic, it has been increasingly clear that physical activity, health and well-being are highly important. We strongly believe that when children, young people (C&YP) and staff fully return to what was formally a familiar educational context, it will look much different.”

“We understand that the workforce will be concerned and anxious how we manage the phased return. We know that across the world the impact of this pandemic has had far reaching consequences. We would therefore ask Head teachers and Governors, to consider embedding physical education and physical activity at the heart of the curriculum, in order to support children’s physical and emotional well-being.”

“C&YP will need time to reintegrate and re-socialise in their school setting. Staff will have to manage many variables to ensure that their students feel safe, confident and happy. We believe that then and only then, will they be able to engage with the wider learning process. Physical education can help students to work together, socialise (albeit following the guidance), trust each other and enjoy learning. There should be no pressure for staff to teach to ‘a catch up’ model as we are confident that exceptions/adjustments can be made. This should then nurture a growth environment as the academic year rolls out and also support our valuable workforce.”

“We wish all C&YP and the workforce, a safe return to the new ‘normal’ as and when this happens, be it June or later in the year. afPE will do everything that we can, to ensure the workforce has our full support, so that you can effectively carry out your role in what ever context you work in.”