Former Primary School Principal Kevin O’Neill offers some timely advice about how to make your school’s Sports Day as inclusive and fun as possible.
Celebrate and Inspire
Sports Day is a chance to celebrate physical activity, improve teamwork, develop social skills, create healthy competition, build resilience, and inspire active lives.
Done right, a sports day is the perfect way to wrap up the school year and send both children and parents off on a positive note – so it’s important to try and get it right.
Sports Day in a primary school is markedly different to one in a secondary school. It’s as much about joining in and having fun as it is about competitiveness and winning. The activities are likely to include simplified, fun versions of track and field events – though still involving physical exertion and skill.
Include Everyone
Think about your SEND pupils when planning activities. The excitement, noise and general busyness of Sports Day can be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. You know your children best and how to adapt the activities to ensure maximum participation and enjoyment. Many schools have an ‘All-In’ morning carousel round-robin of activities before the more competitive races in the afternoon.
Make sure you include something for everyone, not just competitive races. Coming up with a programme that challenges different skills will help all children feel included.
Why not choose one of the many sports now featured at the Paralympics where children with SEN can compete on an even footing? You could even get creative and invent a game you know all your pupils could participate in. It doesn’t mean the child with SEN always has to win, but they can compete just like everyone else.
Team games and races are another great way of encouraging children to work together constructively. Try to instil an attitude of fair play and team spirit, where participating and trying your best is recognised and rewarded. Discouraged overly competitive behaviour. You could consider awarding prizes for sporting conduct as well as winning events.
Stay Organised
Being organised and putting in the prep work will help you stay in control of your Sports Day. Timing is everything – think about how long you want the day to last, which events you’ll have and how long each will take.
There can often be substantial amounts of time with many pupils not doing anything as they wait for events. Be mindful of those children who may struggle without routine and the normal structure of the school day.
Sports days require a lot of personpower, whether it’s directing people to the car park, handing out refreshments, being the designated first-aider, blowing whistles, or awarding prizes, you’ll need to make sure everyone knows who’s doing what and when.
Remember as an inclusive school leader the four most powerful words you own are ‘well done!’ and ‘thank-you’. Your team will have to show initiative and undertake all kinds of jobs on the day, make sure they are all acknowledged.
Be clear on the rules of each activity and that everyone understands how to take part. Let children ask questions before you begin so no one gets confused or feels as though they have been treated unfairly. If you’re really organised, get the rules out to teachers beforehand so they can practise the events with their class during PE lessons.
Remember, the day is about making children feel included, and instill a sense of pride and achievement. Keeping this idea at the forefront of your mind should help you plan and run a Sports Day that is enjoyable for children, parents, and staff alike.
Find out more about the IQM Inclusive School Award
If your school is interested in obtaining the IQM Inclusive School Award or you wish to talk to a member of the IQM team please telephone:
028 7127 7857 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
or email: [email protected] for further details.
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