Providing high-quality physical education can be challenging for primary schools and at Thomas Deacon Education Trust, we believe in the importance of specialised knowledge and a heartfelt passion for teaching physical education.

Over the last four years, we have set up a partnership of PE professionals made up of five members of qualified teaching staff that work across three of our primary schools. We have designed this team with diversity in mind, to create a really varied range of skills and experiences, with teachers who specialise in areas from dance to football to SEND, and those who speak different languages. This helps to provide inspirational role models for all our pupils.

The team works across Gladstone Primary Academy, Thomas Deacon Academy Juniors and Welbourne Primary Academy, supporting schools with running extra-curricular activities, from activities at lunchtime to weekly clubs and cross-Trust competitions.

Sports Lead, Dave Cope, said: “We’re excited to continue developing this important partnership which provides a high-quality learning experience for our pupils and places physical education at the heart of our schools. Moving forward, we’re keen to get more of our Trust secondaries involved to support the transition of our pupils from Year 6 into Year 7 and give fantastic opportunities for both our younger and older pupils. Our secondaries already get involved as sports leaders but there is always more we can do.”

Headteacher at Welbourne Primary Academy, Tracy Lawson, said: “It has been amazing to have the support of the TDET PE team. This is a great example of how we can work together to make a really positive impact, while embracing our individual differences and the things that make us unique.”

This vital partnership has seen dramatic improvements in behaviour during PE lessons as children become really engaged in the quality of the provision, and has helped with attendance across the academy as there is always something for pupils to enjoy and look forward to. It’s also been recognised in recent Ofsted inspections at Welbourne Primary Academy and Gladstone Primary Academy.

In the subsequent reports, inspectors shared that the curriculum was, “enhanced by a wide extra-curricular offer that includes, for example, music and physical education, both delivered by specialists. Pupils appreciate and access these wider opportunities.” They continued: “the school and the Trust work well together to promote the effective learning and welfare of pupils.”

To find out more about our sports partnership, get in touch with Dave via info@tdet.education.