Guest Blog from Norfolk PE Support Service
In primary schools, physical education is more than a chance to run, jump and play – it has the potential to be one of the most inclusive and empowering parts of the curriculum.
For pupils with SEND, PE can provide opportunities for success, confidence and connection that are not always available in the classroom. For school staff, it also offers a powerful opportunity for professional development helping to strengthen inclusive practice across all areas of teaching. This year, Norfolk PE and VNET Education are working together to support this journey through working together to provide a high-quality professional development opportunity.
The Unique Impact of Movement on Pupil Success
In primary settings, PE is often where SEND pupils experience the most visible success as movement allows children to communicate, regulate and participate in ways that feel natural and motivating. Inclusive PE supports physical development, emotional wellbeing and social interaction but also challenges staff to think differently about the progress and achievement of their pupils. These reflective skills can then transfer directly into classroom teaching, improving differentiation, observation and responsiveness across the curriculum.
Building Teacher Confidence through Adaptability
Inclusive PE is not about having specialist knowledge of every need – nor is it about adding to already busy workloads in Schools. It is about developing confidence, adaptability and a willingness to reflect on practice. When teachers feel more secure in how to include SEND pupils meaningfully in PE lessons, teaching then becomes more purposeful, calm and engaging for everyone. This confidence grows through access to high-quality professional development, which should focus on improving core teaching skills such as differentiation, observation and adaptation allowing for emphasis on realistic strategies rather than ideal scenarios.
Strengthening Whole-School Inclusion
When staff feel confident to make small, purposeful changes to activities or expectations, PE lessons become calmer, more inclusive and more rewarding for both pupils and teachers – with these skills then transferring directly into classroom practice, supporting wider inclusion across the whole school setting. Inclusive PE can support the development of a whole-school culture, as when staff share strategies, reflect together and feel supported to adapt their practice inclusion becomes consistent rather than dependent on individual experience. PE can then become a space where staff can trial approaches, see immediate impact and celebrate progress in a variety of meaningful ways.
Reframing Inclusion as High-Quality Teaching
Professional learning focused on SEND in PE helps staff move away from the idea that inclusion means “doing something extra”. Instead it just reframes inclusion as good teaching, with small adaptations to activities, expectations or the use of adult support can transform a pupil’s experience without changing the essence of the lesson. Over time, this builds staff confidence and reduces anxiety around teaching PE to mixed-ability classes.
Join us at the 2026 PE and SEND Conference
We at Norfolk PE are delighted to be working in partnership with VNET Education to deliver the 2026 PE and SEND Conference on April 16th designed specifically to support primary practitioners in developing inclusive physical education provision. The conference focuses on practical, classroom-ready strategies that will help staff adapt activities, support regulation and ensure pupils with SEND can participate meaningfully alongside their peers. It is suitable for class teachers, PE leaders, teaching assistants, SENCO’s and senior leaders who want to strengthen inclusive practice across all areas of Primary PE.
A Vision for Every Child and Teacher
Ultimately, inclusive PE benefits everyone. SEND pupils gain access to movement, belonging and success while staff can develop skills that strengthen their professional practice. By investing in SEND-focused PE training and ongoing reflection, primary schools can ensure that PE is not just active, but inclusive – making physical activity engaging, enjoyable and purposeful for every child… and every teacher.
Matthew Mann, Development Manager, Norfolk PE
Norfolk PE supports PE teachers and leaders across the county through subject leadership guidance, mentoring and accessible CPD opportunities. Our work focuses on building confidence, competence and consistency in PE delivery, ensuring staff feel equipped to deliver inclusive, high-quality provision that meets the needs of all pupils. Please visit our website at www.norfolkpe.org for more details.
