PE at Cribden House is active, inclusive and purposeful. It develops physical confidence, coordination and wellbeing while building teamwork, resilience and enjoyment of movement. Lessons are highly practical and tailored to individual needs, ensuring that every child can succeed—whether developing early movement skills or taking part in structured games and sports.

Across all pathways, pupils learn to move with control, use equipment safely, cooperate with others and understand how physical activity keeps our bodies and minds healthy. We use a Total Communication approach to support understanding, motivation and participation.

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Being Pathway

On the Being Pathway, PE is taught through the Physical Development (PD) strands of the Being Curriculum. Learning focuses on early movement, body awareness, sensory exploration and developing the fundamental building blocks for physical activity.

Children take part in:

• sensory movement and action songs

• climbing and balance activities

• large and small apparatus exploration

• ball play, chasing games and movement to music

• outdoor physical play and outdoor learning

Activities encourage turn taking, anticipation and early cooperative play, while helping children develop strength, balance and coordination. Staff model and support safe movement, exploring space, levels and body control.

Progress is recorded through observation and Tapestry and celebrated as children become more confident movers—standing, climbing, throwing, catching, jumping or joining shared games.

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Doing Pathway

On the Doing Pathway, PE is taught through the PE strands of the Doing Curriculum which are linked to AfPE objectives. Lessons are practical, structured and sequenced across the Doing Ranges so every child can build physical skills step by step.

Pupils develop:

• agility, balance and coordination

• core movement skills such as running, jumping, rolling and throwing

• early gymnastics and dance routines

• teamwork and cooperative games

• simple rules and turn taking in play

Activities are linked to curriculum themes—for example, animal movement in “Animals,” obstacle courses in “Out & About,” or movement to music in “Celebrations.” PE also supports independence, confidence and self-regulation, helping children understand routines, follow instructions and work safely with equipment.

Assessment focuses on real physical progress, engagement and effort. Evidence is gathered through photographs, videos, observations and Tapestry, linked to EHCP targets and personalised outcomes.

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Thinking Pathway

On the Thinking Pathway, pupils follow a structured PE curriculum planned using PE Passport and supported by specialist coaches. Lessons include games, dance, gymnastics, athletics, outdoor adventurous activities and swimming.

Children learn to:

• apply skills such as throwing, catching, striking, jumping and running

• take part in simplified competitive games

• compose routines in dance and gymnastics

• develop stamina, strength and coordination

• evaluate and improve their own performance

Games encourage teamwork, communication and fair play, while athletics and gymnastics help pupils build control and accuracy in movement. Outdoor and adventurous activities promote resilience, problem-solving and confidence.

Assessment is ongoing through observation, discussion and performance, with pupils encouraged to reflect on progress and set personal goals.

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Swimming Across the School

Swimming forms an integral part of PE at Cribden House. During the summer term, a temporary pool is installed on-site, enabling all classes across all pathways to access high-quality swimming lessons in a familiar and supportive environment.

Lessons are delivered by qualified swimming teachers from ProSports, supported by school staff. Pupils learn:

• water confidence and safe entry/exit

• floating, submerging and basic water skills

• swimming strokes on front and back

• water safety and self-rescue

For many children, the on-site pool removes barriers such as transport or unfamiliar environments, ensuring swimming is accessible, inclusive and enjoyable. Progress is recorded in line with National Curriculum expectations and pupils who do not meet swimming benchmarks receive additional support.

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Across all pathways, PE at Cribden House:

• promotes physical confidence, health and wellbeing

• develops fine and gross motor skills

• encourages teamwork, cooperation and fair play

• supports emotional regulation through movement

• builds enjoyment and lifelong positive attitudes to being active

• celebrates every step of physical progress, from first movements to structured sport

PE helps pupils move confidently, feel proud of their achievements and understand how an active lifestyle supports a healthy body and mind. It gives every child opportunities to succeed, participate and enjoy physical activity—now and in the future.