National School Sport Week was created by the children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust. It began in 2008, and has run every year since.
This year’s theme is ‘Belonging – a place in sport for every child‘.
The Youth Sport Trust are urging schools and families to get involved by holding sporting events throughout the week that showcase how inclusive sport can be.
Twinkl a British online education publishing house has a useful blog about how schools can ensure a sporting event is as inclusive as possible – ‘Great Ways to Involve Special Educational Needs Children in Physical Education’
National School Sport Week is a great way to highlight how important school sport is for children’s mental and physical health too. But also to remind ourselves of the importance of encouraging the safety and well-being of children and young people, who participate in sports and physical activity.
For more information on sports and safeguarding, please visit our guidance pages for parents/carers and professionals on our Havering Children Safeguarding Partnership website.
The Child Protection in Sport Unit has a podcast that discusses creating safer cultures in sport. Former professional footballer Paul Stewart talks about the impact that childhood abuse has had on him and emphasises the importance of robust safeguarding policies and procedures being in place to ensure all children young people have a safe and fun experience. To listen please click here.
NWG Network also have a series of videos on their YouTube channel to help raise awareness of how abuse can occur through sport. To watch their ‘Safe to Play’ campaign videos please click here
An independent investigation commissioned by Sport England and UK Sport following allegations of mistreatment within the sport of gymnastics, has been published. The Whyte Review (June 2022) led by Anne Whyte QC includes 17 recommendations. The review received more than 400 submissions, including 133 from current and former gymnasts, and conducted 190 interviews. Of those 400 submissions, more than 40% described physically abusive behaviour by coaches, more than 50% reported an element of emotional abuse, some 30 submissions included allegations of sexual abuse and more than 25% included reference to excessive weight management. You can read the full review by clicking here.
