Growth Areas - Maximising the role of PE, school sport and physical activity.

The research team comprised:
Dr. Alexandra Hennessey Joint-Principal Investigator
Dr. Sarah MacQuarrie Joint-Principal Investigator
Dr. Rebecca Phillips Co-Investigator
Prof. Garry Squires Co-Investigator
Dr. Rebecca Jefferson Research Assistant
Carla Mason Research Assistant
Fionnuala Mottishaw Research Assistant

The Youth Sports Trust commissioned this independent evaluation and have been a keen contributor to its success. Our thanks to Sarah Jenkins, Chris Ellis and Anthony Judge for their wisdom and enthusiasm.

The project was conducted by a team from the Manchester Institute of Education at the University of Manchester. An open science model was adopted supporting a transparent reporting of the independent evaluation, meaning the plans and final report are accessible online.

About the schools that were involved:
The selection process aimed to achieved diversity representing geographical regions across England; consider areas recognised to be in need using school demographics such as proportion of children eligible for free school meals (FSM), special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and English as an additional language (EAL). Five schools (two secondary schools, two primary schools and one alternative provision school) were recruited. Each school was involved in a case study where data regarding school and teachers, parents and pupils were collected. The case studies combined in-depth qualitative data collection methods via interviews with school staff and key stakeholders (x13), pupil focus groups (43 pupils across 6 groups) and surveys with school project leads (x5), parents (x149) and pupils (x1,290); alongside document analysis of supporting polices and action plans, and fieldwork visits to each location.
• Overall there are a good range of physical education, school sports and physical activity opportunities offered to pupils at school and recognised as liked by pupils.
• Schools and communities are facing increasing pressures and challenges with priorities that influence provision.
• Schools and their communities need support and investment to create change and ensure a culture where physical activity it interwoven and realised as a rich feature of provision.