Maximising PE & Sports Premium in South Yorkshire: Active Fusion’s Approach

As we begin the new academic year, we have a valuable opportunity to improve our physical education (PE) provision through the PE & Sports Premium funding. To make the most of this funding and ensure lasting impact, it’s important to focus on sustainable improvements in school sport. Active Fusion, a charity supporting schools across South Yorkshire, offers tailored services to help schools achieve these goals and deliver high-quality PE and inclusive physical activity.

1. Developing Teacher Confidence and Skills in PE

Active Fusion provides a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme to support anyone delivering PE in schools, including PE leads, classroom teachers, early career teachers, and teaching assistants. Their hands-on CPD sessions highlight the essential elements of high-quality PE and give staff the confidence and skills to deliver all areas of the curriculum effectively.

Through their Education Partnerships (Gold, Silver, and Bespoke), specialist coaches work alongside staff in PE lessons, gradually handing over lead roles to embed long-term improvements. This includes access to PE conferences and ongoing support, ensuring teachers are well-equipped to deliver engaging, inclusive PE lessons.

2. Fostering an Active School Culture

Active Fusion supports schools in embedding physical activity across the school day, from active playtimes to the daily mile. They also help engage families and the wider community, encouraging healthy lifestyles for children.

All partner schools are encouraged to get involved with school sporting events, big or small. Schools might host a festive Santa Dash or an end-of-year Summer colour fun run, providing pupils, staff, and families with fun, memorable ways to celebrate activity and build school community spirit.

3. Broadening the Range of Activities Offered

Active Fusion helps schools introduce a variety of activities beyond traditional team sports, including dance, fitness and Boccia. Their programmes promote inclusive PE, ensuring children of all abilities, including those with disabilities or additional needs, have opportunities to participate and succeed.

Fusion Inclusion, a dedicated initiative from Active Fusion, ensures every child can thrive through inclusive physical activity. Fusion Inclusion provides personalised support that embraces diversity, recognising every young person’s unique strengths and backgrounds. By understanding individual needs and aspirations, Fusion Inclusion delivers tailored support that helps children succeed with care and compassion.

4. Focusing on Long-term Health and Well-being

Active Fusion recognises the link between physical activity and mental well-being. Their school programmes integrate well-being into the curriculum, helping pupils develop healthy lifestyle habits that last a lifetime.

Practical strategies include:

• Mental Health and Mindfulness: Guided mindfulness walks, yoga-based stretches, or active relaxation sessions.

• Healthy Lifestyle Education: Lessons on nutrition, hydration, and the importance of sleep.

• Active Well-being Challenges: Step-count challenges, active lunchtime clubs, and “move more” weeks.

• Targeted Support: Fusion Inclusion ensures children with barriers to activity receive personalised support.

• Linking PE to the Wider Curriculum: Active maths games, science experiments involving movement, and storytelling through drama or dance.

These strategies help create a school culture that values physical activity, positive habits, and long-term health.

5. Strengthening Links with Local Clubs and Initiatives

Active Fusion helps schools connect with local sports clubs and national initiatives such as School Games. These partnerships provide pathways for talented pupils, expose all students to community sports opportunities, and boost engagement through events and inter-school competitions.

Want to dive deeper into education support packages?

Active Fusion supports schools in tracking the impact of PE and Sports Premium funding. Through our packages, we can monitor pupil participation, curriculum development, and overall success, ensuring improvements are measurable and sustainable. By partnering with Active Fusion, you can maximise our PE & Sports Premium funding and build a high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable PE provision that benefits pupils for years to come.

Find out more here: https://www.activefusion.org.uk/school-partnerships/