Activity Alliance back-to-school spotlight: Why disabled children need equal access to play

As children return to school after the summer holidays, attention naturally turns to classrooms, timetables and new routines. But what happens beyond the classroom matters too. Every child should be able to enjoy physical education, school sport and physical activity. Yet too many disabled children are still being left on the sidelines.

Two years after ParalympicsGB launched its Equal Play campaign, the question remains: how much closer are we to ensuring every child has the same access to PE at school?  

Early experiences matter. When disabled CYP are welcomed into play, PE, school sport and wider physical activity, they do more than improve their physical health. They build confidence, independence, friendships and a sense of belonging that can shape participation throughout their lives. But when children are left out, the impact can last. Being excluded from PE, school sport or local activities sends a powerful message that they do not belong. It can reduce confidence, limit social connection and make physical activity feel like something for other people. That is why inclusion in childhood is not a nice-to-have - it is the foundation for lifelong active lives.  

In England, as of January 2026, there are approximately 1.86 million pupils with special educational needs (SEN), representing 20.8% of all pupils. This includes 1.32 million pupils receiving SEN support and 538,547 pupils with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan. The number of pupils with SEN has increased by 5.2% in a single year, reinforcing the need for a PE and School Sport Partnerships Network that embeds inclusion, accessibility and targeted support throughout its design, delivery and evaluation (Statistics: Special educational needs in England - GOV.UK) 

Activity Alliance’s Inclusive Activity Programme (IAP) has launched a new CIMSPA accredited workshop specially designed to ensure children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are included within PE and school sport. Inclusive Activity Programme Schools workshop 

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Image credit: Activity Alliance