Creating Active Schools

The Creating Active Schools Framework was developed by an independent group of experts to promote a whole systems approach to school improvement.

It can be used in all schools and is flexible to adapt to cohort or circumstances. All stakeholders, from local authorities to school leaders and pupils should play a role in embedding physical activity in the school’s ethos. This framework aims to show there are roles for everyone.

This whole school framework was created to embed activity at the heart of a school’s ethos. Formulated in June 2019, the framework was developed over two days in Leeds by an expert group of 50 specialists from public health, education, sport and local authorities.

On day one, using idea generation workshops, over 80 head teachers and school governors identified opportunities to increase physical activity across different segments of the school day. On day two, 50 national and international experts created a draft framework using the Design Council’s (2005) double diamond design approach.

Following the workshop and initial feedback, a final consultation with the expert group was undertaken to produce the final CAS framework.

Making it work

1. The framework has the whole schools ethos at the centre, this is the most important factor to drive change. If the ethos does not embrace activity it will not lead to true appreciation and delivery.
2. The most significant way to impact on the ethos of the school is effective teacher training, both at the start and in-service CPD.
3. For schools yet to embark on the journey (the upper half of the framework), ethos change must come from policy makers. Using the COM-B model of behaviour change there must be standards set along with provision of support and guidance.
4. To impact change from within a school (the lower half of the framework), it needs to be seen in the school’s policy and vision, backed up with internal resources including environmental and the support of stakeholders.
5. No part of the school day should be overlooked. Opportunities where PA can be introduced are highlighted in the bottom tier of the framework with examples of good practice.

For more information contact:
Dan Wilson
Yorkshire Sport Foundation
dan.wilson@yorkshiresport.org

Alex Ogden
Yorkshire Sport Foundation
alex.ogden@yorkshiresport.org

Andy Daly-Smith
Bradford University
a.daly-smith@bradford.ac.uk

Nicola Corrigan
Public Health England
Nicola.Corrigan@phe.gov.uk

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