Trailblazing Hartlepool primary school helping others to stay active in new Government drive

Nationally recognised work by Clavering Primary School features heavily in a new Department of Education online platform featuring inspiring videos and resources for schools to help pupils stay active and healthy during the school day.

Schools can now access YouTube videos from schools and young leaders across the country sharing best practice on how to incorporate being active into lessons, break-times and travel times.

Clavering Primary School was asked to get involved because of their Physical Activity Strategy and Physical Education, School Sport and Physical Activity Programme that has been heralded as outstanding practice by the likes of the Youth Sport Trust and Ofsted.

Headteacher Helen O’Brien said a rigorous Covid-19 risk assessment in place that has been praised by Public Health and is allowing them to provide safe, fun, inclusive and meaningful opportunities for our pupils to be active during school.

Deputy headteacher Neil McAvoy, leader of the school’s physical activity programme, added: “We were honoured to be part of a team of schools and organisations asked by the government to share some of our practice for being a healthy and active school.

"Keeping active and maintaining good physical and mental health is a core part of the Clavering experience and – with the support of our fantastic staff, pupils and families – it has been great to still see children benefiting from lots of different forms of physical activity in school, both for their physical health and for their wellbeing.”

Clavering ensures that children are active for 60 minutes every day, including through their Get Up, Get Active early morning sessions, and active breaks during lessons in addition walking, cycling and scooting to school, playtime, and two hours of PE a week.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “We know that keeping active is a vital part of every child’s education, as well as being important for their mental and physical health, so it’s encouraging to see so many schools adapting to these new ways of working and sharing their experiences with others.”

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