Understanding the Role of Exercise for Children with SEND 2025 Results and Key Findings

24th November 2025

Here are the main questions, responses and key findings to our survey:

Q1. How beneficial do you think outdoor fitness activities are for children with SEND?

When asked ‘How beneficial are outdoor fitness activities for children with SEND’, 100% of respondents said they were beneficial, with the majority rating them very beneficial. 

Key Findings:

The survey results show overwhelming agreement on the value of outdoor fitness activities for children with SEND. 

Not one respondent indicated that these activities were “not beneficial” or expressed uncertainty, highlighting a clear consensus on their importance. The majority rated the activities as “very beneficial,” suggesting that outdoor movement is seen as a crucial tool for supporting physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social development. 

These findings underline that incorporating outdoor fitness into the school day is widely recognised as essential for engaging children with SEND, helping them build confidence, coordination, and resilience in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Q2. In your experience, how has regular physical activity helped improve the physical health of children with SEND? (Select all that apply)

In this question respondents were asked to ‘select all that apply’. We received the following responses:

• 87% of SEND professionals noted ‘better body awareness’ in SEND children
• 87% of SEND professionals had seen improvement in cardio, strength and flexibility in SEND children
• 80% of SEND professionals saw a reduction in ‘obesity risk’ in SEND children
• 80% of SEND professionals said they had observed better sleep quality in SEND children
• 47% of SEND professionals linked it to better appetite and digestion in SEND children

Key Findings:

The results highlight a strong consensus among SEND professionals that regular physical activity has a significant positive impact on children with special educational needs and disabilities. 

The majority (87%) reported improvements in both body awareness and overall physical fitness, including cardio, strength, and flexibility. A further 80% observed benefits to general health, with reduced obesity risk and improved sleep quality being common outcomes. Nearly half (47%) also linked physical activity to better appetite and digestion. 

Overall, the findings suggest that consistent movement and exercise play a vital role in enhancing both the physical health and wellbeing of SEND children.

Q3. How do you think spending time outdoors during physical activities impacts the mental health of children with SEND? (select all that apply)

• 80% reported it reduces stress and anxiety
• 80% said it helps with mood regulation and emotional expression
• 67% said it boosts confidence and independence

Key Findings:

The findings show a strong link between outdoor physical activity and improved mental health for children with SEND. 

A large majority (80%) of respondents said spending time outdoors helps to reduce stress and anxiety, while the same proportion felt it supports better mood regulation and emotional expression. Additionally, 67% noted that outdoor activity boosts confidence and independence. 

Together, these results highlight how outdoor environments not only support physical development but also play a crucial role in promoting emotional wellbeing and self-esteem among SEND children.

Q4. What barriers, if any, do you believe prevent children with SEND from participating in fitness activities in school? (select all that apply)

• 80% confirmed that they had a ‘Lack of access to suitable facilities’ 
• 73% cited ‘Difficulty with physical coordination or endurance’
• 67% selected ‘Social or emotional challenges’ 
• 67% said that one obstacle was a ‘Lack of trained staff’
• 33% ticked to say ‘Financial barriers’ 
• 27% explained that ‘Time constraints’ were an issue

Key Findings:

The survey revealed that while children with SEND are generally enthusiastic about physical activity, some barriers limit their participation in school fitness activities. The main obstacles identified were challenges with physical coordination or endurance, cited by 73% of respondents, and social or emotional challenges, noted by 67%. 

These results highlight the need for targeted support to help children with SEND engage more fully in physical activities.

Q5. What would help you when planning and/or running lessons for children with SEND? (select all that apply)

• 60% want video demonstrations
• 60% would use equipment instructions
• 60% value a user guide for modified exercises
• 40% said printable lesson planners would make preparation easier
• 20% would use an app for support

Key Findings:

When planning or running lessons for children with SEND, teachers indicated several key types of support that would be helpful. 

The majority (60%) would benefit from video demonstrations, equipment instructions, and a user guide for modified exercises. Additionally, 40% said printable lesson planners would make preparation easier, while 20% would find an app for support useful. These findings highlight a preference for practical, accessible resources that simplify lesson planning and delivery.

Q6. When planning successful environments for physical activity, which is most important?

• 33% focused on ‘simple, easy-to-use solutions’
• 27% said ‘safe and supportive equipment’
• 13% agreed that a ‘non-judgemental atmosphere is the most important factor’
• 13% stated ‘Solutions that can be modified over time as pupils improve’
• 7% chose ‘Variety’

Key Findings:

When planning environments for successful physical activity, respondents highlighted the importance of accessibility and emotional safety.  A third (33%) prioritised simple, easy-to-use solutions, while 27% emphasised safe and supportive equipment.

Smaller groups valued a non-judgemental atmosphere (13%), solutions that can be adapted as pupils progress (13%), and variety (7%). 

These results underline the need for environments that are both user-friendly and emotionally supportive for children with SEND.