Hundreds of thousands of children with special educational needs or disabilities are set to receive improved access to PE sessions under new plans launched this summer.
Teachers are due to receive specialist training in planning and giving classes which meet the requirements of all pupils, including those with physical, sensory, cognitive, communication or social and emotional needs.
9th July 2025
The new scheme will work with more than 8,000 schools to help 10,000 teachers and other practitioners and 240,000 pupils across England over three years under the Inclusion Programme 2028, which is being kicked off with £300,000 in government funding.
School Standards Minister Catherine McKinnell told journalists: “Sport can break down barriers, build confidence and foster a sense of belonging. By building a generation of teachers with the skills and confidence to deliver high-quality PE and school sport for all pupils … every child gets their chance to shine.”
Meanwhile, the Youth Sport Trust commented in a statement: “We’re pleased at this support for access to daily physical activity for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. These opportunities play a fundamental role in education … and the experience offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to express themselves, enjoy movement and develop essential life skills.
“Too many are either missing out or still face barriers to inclusion … there is so much more to do to create opportunity in the system for every child.”
At Fresh Air Fitness, the leading UK supplier of outdoor gym equipment, we welcome this news. And we’ve long worked with specialist special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools and SEND departments within mainstream schools to create inclusive outdoor exercise facilities which support the learning and development of all pupils.
We offer two packages for SEND schools, both of which are suitable for kids aged 11 or older. And our machines offer a range of benefits, from improved cardio and muscular strength to better toning, coordination and flexibility. Movement is low-impact and straightforward, so that concentration in lessons is also boosted, as is emotional wellbeing.
The SEN Wellness Package costs just £9,000 including installation and delivery, and your school will receive:
Up to 10 can use this six-piece gym at any one time, plus we offer a range of surfacing solutions. Meanwhile, our second package, SEN Accessible Package is very similar but the accessible arm and pedal bike that comes with this option is accessible to wheelchair users.
At the same time, our popular Big Rig solution has helped numerous SEND schools UK-wide, with its eight workout stations. And not only is our kit for SEND schools very durable, it’s covered by multiple warranties.
Discover more about our outdoor gym equipment for SEND schools. We can also help with advice on funding for your fitness project.
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