Intent

At Oakley Infant School, physical activity is embedded throughout daily life, with our curriculum underpinned by our school vision, learning values and the National Curriculum. We believe that physical education plays a vital role in developing healthy bodies and happy minds, nurturing children’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Through a progressive PE curriculum, children develop fundamental movement skills alongside dance and gymnastics, building confidence, competence and a lifelong love of movement. We aspire to nurture creative, resilient, collaborative, safe and resourceful learners who feel empowered to embrace challenges, persevere, work positively with others and make safe choices.

We aim to create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued, successful and confident in their abilities. Through positive experiences of physical activity, we strive to establish foundations for healthy, balanced and active lives, both now and in the future.

Implementation

At Oakley Infant School, our PE curriculum is delivered through the three pillars of Head, Hands and Heart, developing children’s physical competence, knowledge, creativity and positive attitudes towards movement.

Our carefully sequenced lessons build progressively on prior learning, with a strong emphasis on fundamental movement skills. Children are encouraged to explore movement creatively, make choices, solve problems and develop a sense of autonomy in their learning. Through gymnastics, dance and games, they develop confidence, coordination and the ability to apply skills in different contexts.

Physical activity is embedded throughout the school day. Sensory circuits support regulation and readiness to learn, while structured playground games, a wide selection of play equipment and Friends Trails provide opportunities for active play, gross motor development and social interaction. We actively encourage collaboration, communication and positive relationships through shared physical experiences.

We celebrate children’s achievements through our Celebration Assemblies, recognising personal progress and fostering positive connections with physical activity. Regular staff CPD supports teachers in developing their confidence, knowledge and skills in delivering engaging, inclusive and effective PE lessons.

Through these opportunities, we aim to ensure every child feels confident, included and inspired to continue their physical journey beyond Oakley Infant School.

Impact

The impact of our PE curriculum is that children leave Oakley Infant School with the physical skills, knowledge and positive attitudes needed to continue their learning at Key Stage 2 and beyond. Through our curriculum, children develop increasing confidence and competence in fundamental movement skills, alongside a greater understanding of the importance of physical activity for healthy bodies and happy minds.

Children demonstrate our learning values, becoming creative, resilient, collaborative, safe and resourceful learners who embrace challenges, solve problems, work positively with others and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Through movement, they develop strategies to recognise and regulate their emotions, supporting their readiness to learn and equipping them with valuable skills for later life.

Ultimately, we aim for every child to leave Oakley with a positive relationship with physical activity, the confidence to embrace new experiences and the enthusiasm to lead healthy, balanced and active lives.