Football at breaks

We understand that some children have been saying that ‘football is banned’ at Heathlands and so it’s important to clarify this.

Football is not banned, it is played daily in break times for KS3 and 4 and LS pupils have access to the after school football club, kindly run by two parents. Football skills also form part of the PE curriculum on a rotation basis, and for years 4-6 we bring in a specialist PE coach on Friday afternoons.

At KS2 we don’t currently encourage children to play football at break times, but they have the following opportunities:
Go karts
Scooters
Climbing frames x2
Bucket swing
Bats and small balls
Skipping ropes
Basketball pole
Mud kitchen
Beautiful grounds
Games markings on the playground
Variety of small play equipment.

Since encouraging other activities at playtime, other than football, we have seen a significant increase in pupil engagement for learning after breaks and a decrease in issues needing to be sorted out before learning can begin, which is why we have continued with the provision we have.

We are open to football happening for some break times should it be requested by pupils in an appropriate manner, and if there is no return to the previous issues. This will continue to be reviewed going forward.

In June we will be having OPAL (Outdoor Play And Learning) coming to audit our provision and to draw up an action plan to improve play times. This will be an extensive piece of work and the working group will include staff, governors and parents.

We are committed to play times being safe, happy and enjoyable for all pupils so that pupils return to the classroom after their breaks able to focus and learn to the best of their ability.

Please if you have any further questions, do contact the school.