11th September 2026
Over 40 PE Co-ordinators from across Merton came together for an informative and engaging conference, kindly hosted by the AELTC community sports ground at Raynes Park. The event was packed with important updates, practical workshops, networking opportunities and celebrations of success across PE and school sport.
The day began with a practical ‘Active Leaders’ session, which introduced a brand-new set of leadership cards specifically designed for Key Stage 2 students. The resources aim to empower young people to lead fun, inclusive and engaging sporting experiences across Merton schools. The PE Co-ordinators thoroughly enjoyed the Active Leaders session, praising the introduction of the new resources, with comments including, “Great session to introduce the activities” and “Super useful to have new cards and refresh the active festivals.” These cards were also an inspiration for PE co-ordinators to host ACTIVATE Festivals with their school clusters to give both Year 5 and Year 6 pupils opportunities to build leadership confidence, encourage teamwork and support inclusive festival delivery which the PE Leads were really positive about – ‘Good to have already mapped schools together for inter-competitions.’
The practical session was then followed by MSSP updates, providing delegates with key information for the upcoming academic year. Topics included the revised MSSP Service Level Agreement (SLA) and plans for 2026-27, results and feedback from the recent PE Co-ordinator survey, updates on the PE & School Sport Mark, forthcoming CPD opportunities, and a range of workshops designed to support teachers in delivering high-quality PE lessons. PE Leads also received updates on the Healthy Schools London programme, covering Active Learning, Water Only Schools, the Eat Well and Be Active Framework.
The conference welcomed several inspirational guest speakers and organisations who shared their expertise and opportunities available to schools. Representatives from the Black Swimming Association, Jo Melchior and Wesley Thomas, provided valuable insight into increasing importance of water safety and were “very though-provoking” and “really inspirational.” They made a significant impact on the PE Co-ordinators, with one commenting, “This was really useful & really made me think I need to raise the profile and do some ‘out of water’ PE lessons” demonstrating how schools are keen to enhance their current PE provision.
Delegates also heard from London Broncos, who outlined opportunities for schools to engage with rugby league programmes, while Jenny Faulkner-Hooper delivered an informative session on SEND Reform and its new implications for schools. Alix Macfarlane from Run South London also shared a range of opportunities for schools to take part in. This included pupil challenges, Schools RSL – Celebration Event and Merton’s new half marathon to celebrate communities and active living in our borough.
The conference also provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate excellence across our PE network. Delegates were delighted to welcome the Mayor of Merton, Shuile Syeda, who joined the event to recognise and celebrate schools that achieved PE & School Sport Mark awards last year. The Mayor’s visit highlighted the important role that physical education, school sport and physical activity play in supporting the health, wellbeing and development of young people across the borough.
The afternoon offered a highly energetic and interactive Dance Scheme of Work workshop led by Desiree Senior, Faye Rettie and Tanya Greig. PE Co-ordinators had the opportunity to experience a range of dance styles firsthand, learning movements from Merengue, Salsa, Bollywood and Country Dance. The updated MSSP Dance Scheme of Work introduced a range of new and refreshed themes, providing greater cultural authenticity, variety and engagement for pupils. The PE Co-ordinators believed the new themes were “more specific and yet more varied, the more modern ones will promote more engagement” and the new resources provided gave “clearer instructions for each style and more improved dance topics.”
The day concluded with an overview of all the competitions and events that will be taking place during this academic year. There are a variety of competitions and events for schools to get involved in and a few new additions including 26/27 including T1 RFU Rugby, 1.1-mile Schools Run South London event at Figges Marsh and the Brazil World Cup 2027 Girls Football Festival.
PE Co-ordinators experienced fresh ideas, new resources and valuable connections to support the continued development of PE, school sport and physical activity within their schools. With an exciting year ahead, MSSP believes the conference reinforced the collective commitment to providing high-quality sporting opportunities and positive experiences for every child.
Written by Alex Farthing-Ross, MSSP Intern