Creating Inclusive PE and Sport for Every Child
Sport and fitness have a vital role in promoting our wellbeing and in supporting our physical and mental health, yet autistic people are often denied opportunities to participate in such activities.
It doesn’t need to be this way. As a SENDCO, you understand that the right support at the right time can change a child's entire educational experience. Traditional PE environments can present multiple barriers for autistic young people. Sensory differences, motor coordination, unclear communication and social demands can all create high levels of anxiety, making participation difficult and, at times, overwhelming. It should not be surprising then that for some autistic young people, the first subject they stop trying to attend is PE.
The Impact
For many autistic or otherwise neurodivergent children, negative experiences in PE can extend far beyond the sports hall. Repeated experiences of anxiety, failure or exclusion can affect confidence, attendance, mood and engagement across the whole school day.
Research shows (Waddington et al., 2025) that these experiences can also shape attitudes towards physical activity long term, influencing participation, health outcomes and general wellbeing across the lifespan.
The Solution
The CAPS Course has been designed to help school staff change this.
As the first accredited course in the UK through CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), CAPS provides a nationally recognised standard of professional development in inclusive PE and school sport. The course is also underpinned by the SPELL Framework, ensuring a consistent, evidence-informed approach to supporting autistic and neurodivergent pupils.
Through evidence-based training, CAPS equips school staff with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to create genuinely inclusive PE, physical activity and school sport environments, without huge expenditure on new equipment or resources.
The course goes beyond awareness, helping school staff understand why pupils may struggle and how small, meaningful adjustments by staff can significantly improve engagement, confidence and enjoyment.
CAPS supports schools to create environments where every child can experience success in physical activity.
Why It Matters
The SEND system continues to evolve, but one principle remains clear: children and young people with SEND should receive the right support, from the right people, at the right time.
Recent reforms emphasise the importance of inclusion and equal access to opportunities. When delivered inclusively, they can support not only physical development, but also aid self-regulation, reduce anxiety and provide connection. All of which improves wellbeing and a child’s overall experience of school
Inclusive PE is not simply about participation.
It is about ensuring every child feels safe, understood and able to achieve. Teaching them that they belong in school - everywhere.
Course Outcomes
Following the course, delegates will be able to:
- Better understand the physical, sensory and emotional needs of autistic and neurodivergent pupils
- Identify barriers to participation within PE and physical activity
- Implement practical, evidence-informed strategies within their setting
- Create more inclusive, engaging and accessible PE lessons
- Improve pupil experiences, participation and wider outcomes
Who Is This Course For?
The CAPS Course is suitable for:
- SENDCOs
- Senior Leaders
- PE Leads
- Class Teachers
- Teaching Assistants
- Learning Support Assistants
- Inclusion Teams
- School Governors
The course supports a whole-school approach to inclusion and is relevant across primary, secondary and specialist settings.
Get in touch
If you’d like to find out more about CAPS or explore how this could work in your setting, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
Office hours
Monday – Friday
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