During the third online school forum (July 2022), attendees, comprised of ten school representatives and two local authority sports representatives, were asked to complete a questionnaire (anonymously) reflecting on their experience of the programme and provide comments around future sustainability. Staff shortages in schools due to COVID-19 was provided as a reason as to why some schools were unable to attend the school forum. Using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = difficult; 5 = easy), schools were asked how they found implementing the AEBSD programme.
- 7 attendees reported a score of 3 suggesting not difficult, but not easy
- 4 attendees reported a score of 4 suggesting fairly easy
- 1 attendee reported a score of 5 meaning easy
Due to delays in the school beginning the programme, or the equipment purchased being more targeted for autumn term, the experience for some schools has been limited and means they will be continuing in the 2022/2023 academic year. When attendees were asked if they will be continuing, 11 attendees reported ‘yes’, and one school reported ‘maybe’. All attendees said they would recommend the initiative to other schools to participate in.
Positives and challenges from programme implementation
Using free-text responses, attendees were asked to reflect on what had worked well when implementing the programme and what challenges they had faced. Figure 19 highlights the core positives and challenges of their experiences. A key finding is the identification of improved well-being and social skills of children. Whilst some of challenges mentioned are sizeable, with an action plan in place, items such as co-ordinating parents could be more manageable.
Suggested support requirements for implementation
Teachers and supporting sports organisations outlined for successful implementation to take place, the following should be considered:
- Funding (e.g., for instructor-led activities and school staff support)
- Coaching staff
- Transport provision
- Regular touchpoints to share good practice
- Support to build networks
Top tips for transforming a school in an active education setting
- Be community- and partnership-focused -undertake consultation with pupils and the community to meet their needs, and connect with local clubs
- Consider sustainability from the outset and integrate contingency budget
- Write a plan, review, commit and engage - be realistic
- Work with Sports Development Teams
- Consider allocating an initiative coordinator and getting enthusiastic staff involved
Key positives and challenges as identified by staff involved in the implementation of the AEBSD programme
