Inclusion
We recognise that high-quality Physical Education (PE) and access to extracurricular sport play a vital role in the lives of all children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Regular physical activity can have a positive impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, social development, confidence, and independence.
Our Vision
Our vision is to ensure that all young people with SEND, and those who are less engaged in physical activity, have opportunities to participate in high-quality PE and access wider sporting opportunities within their community.
We aim to:
- Increase participation in physical activity and sport.
- Develop pupils’ confidence, skills, and enjoyment of physical activity.
- Support teachers in delivering inclusive PE lessons.
- Improve access to resources and opportunities that make PE inclusive for all pupils.
The SEND Code of Practice
The SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 Years identifies four broad areas of need:
- Communication and Interaction
- Cognition and Learning
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health
- Sensory and Physical Needs
Many children and young people may experience needs across more than one of these areas. The majority of pupils with SEND attend mainstream schools and benefit from inclusive teaching approaches and appropriate support.
Communication and Interaction
Children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) may:
- Find it difficult to express themselves verbally.
- Experience challenges understanding others.
- Find conversations, group work, and social interactions difficult.
Cognition and Learning
Children and young people may:
- Learn at a slower pace than their peers.
- Find aspects of the curriculum more challenging.
- Experience difficulties with memory, organisation, literacy, or numeracy.
- Require additional support to access learning.
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
Children and young people may:
- Experience difficulties forming and maintaining relationships.
- Appear withdrawn or isolated.
- Display behaviours that affect learning.
- Require additional support to develop wellbeing and resilience.
Sensory and Physical Needs
Children and young people may have:
- Visual impairments (VI).
- Hearing impairments (HI).
- Physical disabilities or mobility difficulties.
- Multi-sensory impairments (MSI), involving both vision and hearing.
These needs may affect their ability to access learning, facilities, and activities without appropriate support or adaptations.
Other Medical Conditions
Some children and young people have medically diagnosed conditions that may impact learning, participation, and social interaction, requiring reasonable adjustments and additional support.
Further Information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25
Planning Inclusive PE Sessions
The Inclusion Spectrum is an effective framework for planning PE and physical activity sessions that meet the needs of all learners.
Alongside disability-specific activities such as:
- Boccia
- New Age Kurling
- Goalball
- Seated Volleyball
the Inclusion Spectrum encourages practitioners to consider four approaches when designing activities.
Alternate
Participants work on specific skills separately before joining the main activity.
This can support confidence and skill development where additional practice is required. The ultimate goal is successful inclusion within the wider group.
Parallel
Different versions of the same activity are delivered simultaneously.
Groups participate at a level appropriate to their ability, ensuring challenge and success for all learners.
Modified
Everyone takes part in the same activity, but adaptations are made to rules, equipment, space, or expectations to support individual needs.
Open
Activities are designed to allow all participants to engage at an appropriate level with minimal modifications.
This approach often emphasises creativity, exploration, and participation through play.
Further Information:
https://www.inclusivesportdesign.com/blog-posts/the-inclusion-spectrum-planning-sport-activities-for-everyone
Inclusive Sports and Activity Clubs
To find local inclusive sport and physical activity opportunities, visit:
- Parasport: https://parasport.org.uk/find-a-club
- Get Active London: https://www.getactivelondon.org
- Be Inspired UK: https://www.beinspireduk.org
Merton SEN Voice Report 2024/25
The Merton School Sport Partnership and the London Borough of Merton (LBM) sought to gain a deeper understanding of the physical activity experiences and behaviours of young people with additional needs.
Working in partnership with the MSSP, the LBM Sport and Leisure Team delivered focus groups and surveys with pupils attending specialist educational settings across the borough. The findings have helped shape future projects and provision through meaningful youth voice and consultation.
Read the report:
https://mertonssp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SEN-Focus-Group-Findings-April-2025-Merton.pdf
Inclusive events offer | Summary
The programme offers a range of inclusive and engaging Key Stage 2 sporting opportunities, designed to develop physical skills, teamwork, confidence, and participation in sport.
Activities include a Cross Country Festival, where pupils can develop endurance, resilience, and a love of running, and a Multi Skills Festival, which focuses on fundamental movement skills such as agility, balance, coordination, and speed.
A number of inclusive competitions are also available, including New Age Kurling for Year 3/4 pupils, Seated Volleyball for Year 5/6 pupils, and Boccia, providing opportunities for pupils to experience adapted sports, develop tactical awareness, and compete in a supportive environment.
Team sports feature through a Football Festival, encouraging teamwork, communication, and skill development, while a Tennis Festival introduces pupils to racket skills, coordination, and accuracy. The programme concludes with a Scatter-ball Festival, offering a fun and engaging team-based activity similar to Rounders, that promotes cooperation, movement, and enjoyment of physical activity.