LEAP into Life!

LEAP into Life has been launched in Cornwall with the support of Cornwall Healthy Schools. A Physical Literacy programme for children at foundation stage and Key Stage 1, published by Devon Learning and Development Partnership, the resource is designed to be accessible to all teachers regardless of previous knowledge or ability.

Teachers can use the ideas in the book for each of the sections and those feeling more confident can progress the ideas developing different activities for the sections. LEAP into Life has the potential to completely overhaul the PE curriculum, making it more accessible and fun as well as increasing time spent on high quality physical activity.

The programme develops all components of effective motor function, including large muscle movement, eye-hand co-ordination, balance and rhythm. It has been developed with the expertise of foundation and KS 1 teachers and physiotherapists. The guidance sections from physiotherapists help teachers to identify and support children with movement difficulties at an early age.

The programme consists of four strands:  functional movement, aesthetic movement, manipulative skills, and movement concepts. Each strand is made up of six progressions, and there is sufficient material for the resource to be delivered daily throughout the academic year. The ideal is that the resource is used for 30 minutes of activity every day for the year groups; the programme is sufficient to cover the requirements for this age group's physical activity sessions. The programme is also designed to limit or remove the need for changing into PE kit, maximising physically active time.

The programme's ease of use, its adaptability, and the huge benefits it can have on young people’s development and future participation in physical activity make it an excellent programme and one that we feel is of immense benefit. With the funding from the Cornwall Healthy Schools Programme every primary school in Cornwall has been offered training for staff and the resources needed to run the programme. As a practising teacher, this is not only a fantastic resource for both the non-specialist and the PE expert, but also a brilliant time saver.

If you need any further information, more help or training on the programme and its resource email Aimee at Cornwall Healthy Schools or phone 01209 310061.