As the nation enjoyed the sporting spectacle that took place at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and celebrated the success of these athletes, ParalympicsGB has launched a campaign calling for equal access to PE and school sport for disabled children, with just one in four disabled children saying they currently take part in sport at school.
With 1.5 million disabled children (comprising 15% of the school population) the scale of the matter is huge.
The Qualitas Schools Partnership aims to tackle this problem by creating an environment in ALL sessions which allows for disabled children to participate in our PE and after school sports sessions.
Whether that be through adapting activities or just through general encouragement we empower our coaches to make sure these children get an equal opportunity to partake. Qualitas coaches will always look to adapt sessions to make each session inclusive.
Simple examples would be as follows:
– To adjust the way locomotion is achieved around the activity.
– Adapt the equipment to accommodate the difference in motor skill capability.
– Create sessions specific to the disability where all children adhere to the same rules and limitations of the activity.
Not only does this inclusion encourage physical development but also the social and mental development that is often overlooked as a very important benefit of sport and exercise.
Dave Clarke, Chief Executive of ParalympicsGB, said: “Sport and PE at school needs to be a statutory right for all children and the people delivering it need to have the support, education and training to deliver it inclusively. Play is fundamental to children’s happiness, allowing them to have fun whilst they develop motor skills, build confidence, and improve physical and mental health.”
Qualitas will be working with schools over the academic year to encourage inclusivity in sport and PE. We are also offering SEN specific sessions as an alternative provision where fundamental skills can be learned in a safe and encouraging environment.For further information on the variety of Qualitas provisions please do not hesitate to get in touch via gavin.bailey@qualitassport.co.uk.
The Qualitas Schools Partnership provides that support to our schools delivering the sessions inclusively.
