Cross Country Inclusive Festival Year 3-8

Booking Status: Open now

If the event reaches capacity, schools will be placed on a waiting list and notified should places become available before the event.

Age Groups

• Years 3-6
• Years 7-8

Squad Size

• Approximately 10 pupils per year group
• Please indicate participant numbers when registering

Eligibility

• Mixed gender event
• Schools are encouraged to prioritise pupils with SEND when selecting participants

Event Format

This is a non-competitive Inclusive Festival focused on:

• Fun
• Participation
• Physical activity
• Personal achievement

The event takes place on a grass surface and includes several fun challenge obstacles around the course. Please note that uneven terrain may present additional challenges for some participants with physical needs.

Venue Information

• Parking available via the Nursery Road entrance
• Accessible toilets located near the entrance to Abbey Recreation Ground

Activity Format

• Children will complete approximately one lap (800m) of the course in a clockwise direction.
• Participants can complete the course at their own pace.
• No timings or race results will be recorded.
• No draws, seedings or competitive rankings will be used.

Course Rules

• Children should report to the start line when instructed by event staff.
• All runners must keep flags and cones on their right-hand side and remain on the designated course.
• If a pupil requires support during the activity, schools should notify MSSP before the start of the event. Supporting adults will be provided with a yellow identification sash.

Awards and Results

Awards

• All participants will receive a participation certificate.

Results

• No results will be recorded.
• A post-event report will be published in the News section of the MSSP website.

Pathway

• There is no progression pathway from this event and no overall winner.

Kit and Equipment

Schools must provide:

• A school first aid kit
• A suitably qualified first aider

Participants should wear:

• Trainers
• Astro-turf boots
• Moulded or studded football boots

Not permitted:

• Metal blades
• Jewellery

If eyewear is required, plastic frames and lenses should be worn where possible.

Staffing and Spectators

School Staff

• Team sheets must be completed before or upon arrival.
• All attending staff must hold Enhanced DBS clearance and be fully vetted by their school.
• DBS details may be requested for events held on school sites.

Spectators

• Spectators are not permitted due to safeguarding and site access restrictions.

First Aid

MSSP will have:

• A basic first aid kit
• A qualified first aider

However, schools remain responsible for providing first aid to their own pupils throughout travel and participation.

Team Sheets and Equality Monitoring

All schools must submit the MSSP Event Entry EDI Team Sheet.

The information collected helps MSSP:

• Monitor participation
• Improve equity, diversity and inclusion
• Ensure opportunities are accessible to all young people across Merton

Pupil initials or first names only are acceptable.

Risk Assessments

Event-specific risk assessments are available within the Resources section of the MSSP competitions website:

Visit MSSP Competitions

REFSPECT

MSSP expects all participants, staff and volunteers to:

• Respect rules and officials
• Respect opponents and teammates
• Promote fair play and positive behaviour

Any breaches of MSSP Codes of Conduct may result in removal from the event and notification to the relevant Headteacher.

Learn more about REFSPECT

Photography and Media

Photographs may be taken by MSSP staff for promotional purposes.

Schools must:

• Inform MSSP staff of any pupils without photo consent before the event.
• Only photograph their own pupils.
• Not share images of pupils from other schools without permission.

Social Media and Contact

Email: info@mertonssp.org.uk

X (Twitter): Follow MSSP on X

Instagram: Follow MSSP on Instagram

Safeguarding

MSSP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All event staff are fully vetted and hold Enhanced DBS clearance.

Schools remain responsible for ensuring that any staff or volunteers attending comply with safeguarding requirements and can provide evidence of appropriate checks if requested.

If you have a safeguarding concern during an event, please speak to a member of the MSSP team immediately.

Contact MSSP Safeguarding Team

Comments, Compliments and Complaints

MSSP welcomes all feedback as part of its commitment to continuous improvement.

Submit Feedback