Springvale Primary School in Barnsley has been awarded status as a Centre of Excellence for Sport and Physical Activity.
The accreditation from Yorkshire Sport Foundation, is in recognition of the schools outstanding before and after school club provision, providing more opportunities for children to be active beyond the school day and offering pathways into local community sport.
Pupils have the opportunity to choose from up to 20 clubs each half-term, with sessions led not only by teachers and sports coaches, but by parents or local clubs. The school began the drive over five years ago to raise participation in sport for all groups, combat inactivity and obesity and targeting pupils with special educational needs to try new activities.
As well as traditional sports such as football and netball, the school also offers clubs which promote broader forms of physical activity. Examples of these include an environment club, often getting pupils active within the school grounds, and a running club every Friday morning, taking up to 20 children running on the Trans Pennine Trail before the school day begins. A sustainable model for clubs is a priority for the school and they are often subsidised or free for families who need the financial support, with 85% of pupils taking part in at least one club a week.
Headteacher, Lee McClure, commented: “I’m incredibly proud of the achievement as it represents a lot of hard work by a lot of different coaches, staff and leaders.”
“Our attendance rates are well above the national and local averages and our pupils leave the school with achievement well above average too. Sport is central to our approach and, thanks to the outstanding support from our Governing Body and the brilliant families in our area taking up the offer so enthusiastically, the future at Springvale is very bright.”
Alex Ogden, Education lead at Yorkshire Sport Foundation said: “The success and impact of the out of school hours provision at Springvale is testament to the headteacher’s vision of ensuring all pupils have access to broad, inclusive and fun sporting and physical activity opportunities beyond the school day.
“They have put effective systems in place to specifically track the participation rates of pupil premium and SEND pupils and go to great lengths to make sure that money is not a barrier to pupils being able to access club provision.
“Building relationships and links with local community clubs is a real strength of their provision and it has been wonderful to hear about the individual success stories of children attending clubs in the community as a result of their experiences in school.”