Integrating Special Schools in to Mainstream SGO Events

Context, Intent and Target Group

Background Information

Feedback from Special Schools in my area suggested that most School Games events are inaccessible to their pupils.

What was the aim of work?

As such, rather than just holding an event for Special Schools I wondered if an event could be designed at which special school pupils could take part alongside mainstream schools.

Which outcome(s) did it focus on?

• 2. To ensure all competition has a clear intent and creates positive experiences based on the motivation, competence and confidence of the young people that need our support the most
• 4. To support the personal development of targeted young people through youth engagement and leadership
• 5. To advocate and engage key stakeholders on the value of School Games to support local provision and improve the experience for young people and their families

Which expectation(s) did it meet?

• Using the events calendar to upload a termly offer of events and activities with a clear intent, updated once each term.
• Using local insight and youth engagement to identify young people and schools that would most benefit from a targeted School Games offer.
• Developing a case study to show where you have made the most impact against local priorities, and through effective storytelling share your learning locally and nationally.
• Collaborating with key partners to inform the local and county offer to tackle inequalities and ensuring inclusive and safe practice.
• Developing strategies to improve knowledge and understanding of the School Games for key stakeholders.
• Work with schools to maintain and grow their active engagement in School Games.
• Identify schools that are not engaged and developing strategies to improve this.
• Work intensively with a minimum of two low engagement schools to improve their understanding, engagement and access of the School Games offer.
• Co-design and deliver a broad and balanced School Games offer that is informed by insight and youth engagement and embeds positive experiences. It is expected that an SGO will facilitate a minimum of 12 targeted inter competitions/events/festivals with clear intent.

Community links

• SEND leads / SENCO

Intent

The event was designed by speaking with Special School staff at the Prioty School, Bury St Edmunds and asking them to discuss with their pupils what sort of event they would like to attend and what the content of that event might be.

Target group

• SEND
• A physical disability (e.g. problems moving around unaided)
• A cognitive disability (e.g. problems thinking or remembering)
• A sensory disability (e.g. problems with vision or hearing)
• A mental health or emotional disability (e.g. problems with mood)
• A communication or social relationships disability (e.g. autism, Asperger's, ADHD)
• Any other disability
• Targeted Groups of Young People

Aligns to Schools Games Intents of:

• Widening the competition environment to develop character and life skills
• Adding fun elements to engage new audiences
• Adapting the format to increase motivation
• Considering age or maturity levels to support fair competition and foster social connections
• Adapting the competition environment to support individual development in sport

Implementation

Following the design stage the event was formulated to include 3 activities for years 4-6 to be run on a carousel. SEND pupils from mainstream schools were invited.

The three activities were:

BOCCIA

GOALBALL

SITTING VOLLEYBALL

The activities were delivered by the SGO with Year 10 Leaders (including SEND pupils) from his host school as well as support from Primary School teachers.

The event took place at King Edward VI School on 22nd November 2022 from 1030-12noon

Impact

72 participants from 8 schools took part

Schools

Westley Middle School, Abbots Green Primary Academy, Sebert Wood Community Primary School, Barrow Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Great Whelnetham Church of England Primary School, Hardwick Primary School, Tollgate Primary School and the special school Priory School

Challenges

Integrating the special school with mainstream SEND pupils proved to be successful and feedback from the event was largely very positive.

The biggest challenge was the noise level in the venue (4 court Dome). The order of events was incorrect. Sitting Volleyball was done in isolation with Boccia and Goalball alongside each other. That was a mistake as Goalball needs a quiet environment and should have been done in isolation.

Sustainability

Feedback from the special school was positive and they would welcome similar events in the calendar. 

They are holding their Sports Day on the SGO host site and will be assisted by year 10 Leaders including SEND pupils.

Top tips