Is PE compulsory in Primary School?

GobbledyGook

Counting_Pennies wrote: »

They are regularly changed into their PE clothes by their teacher and walked to the hall to find another teacher has commandeered the hall for something else so they have to go back to their class room to get changed.

Is her teacher young and/or new to the school? I only ask because if they are timetabled in for PE most teachers would point it out to the teacher who'd commandeered the hall.

I'd be asking the question. Being cancelled occasionally if the hall is in use for big things (I worked in one where it was often commandeered for rehearsals near Christmas as the kids put on a huge pantomime for example), but they shouldn't be missing PE every week regularly imo.

maman

It can be very difficult in schools where there is just one hall that has to be used for lunch, PE, assembly, drama, music and anything else that needs a large space (visiting drama groups, dancers, rehearsals etc.). Plus the outdoor lessons are often cancelled because of the weather.


OP's child's teacher should have been aware that the hall was out of action. In some schools classes will swap their timetable slots. Maybe she forgot?


In my experience, the amount of PE will balance out through the year as in the summer months (hopefully;)) they'll get extra outside time for athletics, rounders and perhaps some classes will get a block of swimming time at a local pool.


Julie, I could be wrong but your infants have probably bought in the sports instructor as a cheap alternative to a qualified teacher to cover for when class teachers have time for planning and assessments. It's great that he's doing so well but in some cases these people can't manage the children.

PoorCharleyBear

When we lived in UK my daughter did PE 3 times in reception class (her PE kit was sparkling!) ...because it rained/ the hall was needed/ the park was flooded/a dog was loose.

We have moved to Australia and they go out even in the rain. Only days of over 40deg is spot cancelled. Maybe thats why Aus does better in Olympics?

LondonGal

Regardless of law, good practice dictates they should have regular scheduled exercise. Other teachers needing the hall may be acceptable occasionally, but not often.

It sounds a bit to me as though the teacher doesn't enjoy the issues that can occur during changing, taking a PE lesson etc.... I'd have a gentle word with the teacher first. If nothing happens, go to the Head and only then to the governors. If you don't follow this route, and say go to the HT first, they'll only refer you back to the classroom teacher. Easiest to do it right straight away.

~Chameleon~

maman wrote: »

Julie, I could be wrong but your infants have probably bought in the sports instructor as a cheap alternative to a qualified teacher to cover for when class teachers have time for planning and assessments. It's great that he's doing so well but in some cases these people can't manage the children.

That's highly unfair! We often send fitness instructors into our local schools to coach children in a variety of sports and activities at lunch times and after school clubs. They are highly experienced and qualified in what they do. Far moreso than most school teachers running a PE lesson!

claire16c

PoorCharleyBear wrote: »

When we lived in UK my daughter did PE 3 times in reception class (her PE kit was sparkling!) ...because it rained/ the hall was needed/ the park was flooded/a dog was loose.

We have moved to Australia and they go out even in the rain. Only days of over 40deg is spot cancelled. Maybe thats why Aus does better in Olympics?

I guess you didn't actually watch the Olympics if you think Australia did better

teddypinkskin

Actually, Charleybear, GB has done better than Australia in the last two olympics. With GB coming 3rd and Australia 10th in 2012 and
GB 4th and Australia 6th in 2008

julie03

Julie, I could be wrong but your infants have probably bought in the sports instructor as a cheap alternative to a qualified teacher to cover for when class teachers have time for planning and assessments. It's great that he's doing so well but in some cases these people can't manage the children.

[/QUOTE]

totally not the case, have watched the lessons as i am a volunteer sometimes at the school, he is highly qualified and his classes are extremely well run and look like loads of fun, he is alot more qualified in fitness and games than most of the teachers, plus the TAs help in his lesson so is very well managed

duchy

LondonGal wrote: »

Regardless of law, good practice dictates they should have regular scheduled exercise. Other teachers needing the hall may be acceptable occasionally, but not often.

It sounds a bit to me as though the teacher doesn't enjoy the issues that can occur during changing, taking a PE lesson etc.... I'd have a gentle word with the teacher first. If nothing happens, go to the Head and only then to the governors. If you don't follow this route, and say go to the HT first, they'll only refer you back to the classroom teacher. Easiest to do it right straight away.

Really?
The OP says the kids are already changed and go to the hall to find it in use.......so I don't see the logic in your assumption.

room512

Lots of primary schools have sports coaches this year - they were part of the Olympic legacy (I think).