National Partner Statement on Coaches in Schools
Please see the statement below that has been agreed by National Partners (scUK, afPE, YST, CSP Network and COMPASS) relating to ‘Coaches in Schools’:
National Partners are committed to sustaining high quality PE and school sport – and ensuring that all young people have the best possible introduction through PE teaching and sports coaching. They believe, as a result of any direct investment into PE and school sport (i.e. the current Primary PE & Sport Premium), there must be long term change in the quality of teaching and learning as well as the contribution of PE and sport to whole school standards.
National Partners believe that in curriculum time, teachers should not be replaced or displaced by coaches, but rather support their work and ensure provision is enhanced. Coaches can make a valuable contribution to PE and school sport by using their skills to improve the technical knowledge and confidence of teaching staff, as well as delivering additional breakfast, lunchtime and after school provision.
Many schools have identified a role for sports coaching in their PE and school sport offering, and all National Partners believe it is essential for coaches to:
- be employed by a school when a need has been identified by their PE and school sport review
- have the recognised minimum qualification, insurance and safeguarding standards to be employed to work in school sport
- not be used to displace teachers during curriculum time
- have a sound understanding of what safe practice in PE and sport looks like.
Further guidance on the effective and sustainable use of coaches in schools can be found via the links below:
Sport England Primary PE & Sport Premium Films
Guidance on the Effective Use of Coaches in Physical Education & Sport