Vision

All pupils leaving our school are physically literate and with the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary to equip them for a healthy, active lifestyle and lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.

Allocation

The allocation we received for 2022/23 was £17,683.00.

Full breakdown of how the funding has been spent:

• £10,628 Specialist coaching 
• £7,723 Pool heating, maintenance and resources
• £2,041 Outside equipment

    Total £20,392

Impact

• Children from reception to year two display gymnastic competence relative to their age.

The gymnastic specialist says:

“Whilst coaching the children at Ilfracombe Infants I have seen them increase their physical awareness, strength, confidence and positive body consciousness to no end. When each individual starts to understand that they are in charge of their brains and their bodies and that they can do anything they put their minds to, it is a personal achievement for me every time. We have worked on the basics from the British Gymnastics guidelines including shapes, jumps, rolls, balances, whilst incorporating teamwork, partner work and focusing on ourselves as individuals. I have seen the children realise that they are capable of far more than they may have thought and come to understand that Gymnastics really is accessible to all. The children with additional learning needs present another level of inspiring competency, surprising us all with their strength and capabilities. I continue to learn and develop as a coach with each new budding gymnast I meet. We have included a strong element of mindfulness this term, emphasising the importance of looking after our bodies and understanding the impact that nutrition, healthy living choices, our emotions, external forces and exercise has upon our human bodies.”

• Children from reception to year two display tennis competence relative to their age.

The children have access to high quality specialist coaching for tennis. They walk to Ilfracombe tennis club for their tuition which familiarises them with the court setting. The coach is supported by teaching staff and assistants whom gain valuable skills and knowledge within this specialist area, therefore ensuring that this high quality provision is sustainable. A number of children then choose to join our weekly after school tennis club with the same specialist coach. Many children often go on to join the local club and are playing tennis after school, during the weekend and in school holidays. Our pupils have also been very successful in the local schools tennis competitions that are held twice a year for year 2.

The Tennis Specialist says:

“Teaching the children at Ilfracombe Infants, from reception to year 2 for 12 weeks of tennis each year from Ilfracombe Tennis Club provides great development opportunities as well as some fun learning. It’s most rewarding to see the self-esteem from the children when new skills are acquired. This encourages the focus to achieve, helping to create optimistic young minds. The tennis is always sociable and those that go on to attend club activities also supported by older children who we have taught, something we actively encourage.”

• Children from nursery to year two display confidence and enjoyment in the water, they are aware of safety within the water and their strokes are developed.
• After school clubs provide a variety of opportunities for children to experience a range of physical activities which has a positive impact on their wellbeing. 
• Outdoor resources have been purchased for play and lunchtimes to give all children access to develop a range of sporting and team skills. These include football, tag rugby games, tennis, dance, small ball control, parachute and basketball. MTAs support and monitor the activities and have reported improved playtime behaviours and increased participation with the variety of sports offered each day.

Sustainability

• School staff gain valuable CPD when working alongside specialists which has a positive impact on their practice.