Physical Activities

Overview

At Heron, we aim to provide opportunities for all of our pupils to ACCESS a wide range of physical activities and opportunities. They will develop their CONFIDENCE to try new experiences and participate in activities in their wider community. Pupils will be taught and develop skills enabling their independence across all areas of their lives.

We want all members of our school community to understand and promote the VALUE of physical development and to ENJOY a wide range of physical activities.

We want all members of our school community to be ACTIVE (Access physical activities, gain Confidence, Try new experiences, grow Independence, Value physical activity to enhance well–being, and Enjoy a wide range of school-based and community activities).

PE aims to encourage pupils of all abilities to be physically active in school and throughout their lives. It fosters the development of control and coordination in large and small movements, promoting physical strength, self-confidence and well-being.

Increased flexibility helps our pupils move confidently in various ways, negotiate obstacles safely, strive to achieve their ‘personal best’, and work towards attaining physical developmental milestones.

Lessons are carefully planned and designed to be inclusive. Our curriculum schemes ensure that all pupils are given opportunities to experience a range of activities and resources adapted to meet the different abilities of our children, supporting them to develop a broad range of skills that they can use in different contexts. We use the STEP (Space—Task—Equipment—People) approach to planning learning, which is adapted to meet individual needs and abilities.

We are passionate about promoting the enjoyment of physical activity – we want all our pupils to have fun.

Physical activities also support the development and attainment of skills in other areas of the curriculum, e.g., the acquisition of fine motor skills required when learning to write and the development of self-care skills linked to everyday life and independence, i.e., dressing, washing, and feeding.

How is PE delivered at Heron?

Here at Heron, PE is delivered through weekly structured PE lessons, daily free play, and planned adult choice activities, both in and outside the classroom. Individual Occupational and Physiotherapy targets are included in activities throughout the day as appropriate. All pupils can also access daily MOVE activities to gain independent sitting, standing, walking, and transferring skills.

In addition, we have several trained staff in Rebound Therapy who deliver taught sessions on our full-size trampoline. Pupils have blocks of Rebound Therapy and opportunities to consolidate these skills throughout the planned curriculum.  They also have blocks of swimming lessons and access to water-based therapy.

Classes also have offsite PE visits, which focus on using local playground equipment and other community facilities to develop physical skills beyond the resources we have at school. Physical targets will also frequently form the main focus of educational visits.

Our pupils will have opportunities to link, visit, and compete with pupils in other similar schools. ‘Have a go’ taster days allow pupils to try new and different things. The school hosts an annual sports day. Sports and activity specialists are periodically invited to school to deliver specialist sessions.

PE and Sport Curriculum – 2025

Space – Task – Equipment – People

Pupils should develop fundamental movement skills, become increasingly competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others. During transitions to and from PE, our pupils will develop MOVE skills, which promote daily movement to enhance coordination, joint health and confidence.  They should be able to engage in competitive (both against self and against others) and cooperative physical activities in increasingly challenging situations. Pupils will be taught to: 

• Master basic movements, including running, jumping, throwing, and catching, as well as develop balance, agility, and coordination and apply these in various activities.
• Participate in team games, developing knowledge of rules and simple tactics. 
• Perform dances using simple movement patterns and make progress toward school performances.

Hydrotherapy / Swimming

Hydrotherapy

We have four qualified hydrotherapy staff members who work closely with our pupils.

At Heron Academy, we are proud to offer hydrotherapy as part of our comprehensive approach to supporting our pupils needs. Our hydrotherapy pool and trained staff provide a safe and engaging environment where pupils can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of water-based activities.

What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy uses water to support physical, sensory, and emotional development. The warm water helps to relax muscles, reduce pain, and enhance movement, while the buoyancy allows students to explore mobility in ways that may not be possible out of the water.

Hydrotherapy can help:

• Improve mobility, balance, and coordination.
• Increase muscle strength and flexibility.
• Provide sensory stimulation and relaxation.
• Build confidence and promote emotional well-being.

Swimming

As part of the curriculum, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday a group of pupils attend swimming lessons in a local leisure centre. 

Rebound Therapy

Rebound Therapy
At Heron Academy, we are delighted to offer Rebound Therapy. This engaging and dynamic therapy uses trampolines to promote physical, sensory, and emotional development in a safe and controlled environment. We have seven fully qualified Rebound Therapy staff members 

The phrase 'Reboud Therapy' describes the use of trampolines in providing therapeutic exercise 

Benefits of Rebound Therapy

• Improve balance, coordination, and motor skills.
• Enhance sensory processing and body awareness.
• Promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Build confidence and social interaction skills.