Burnley primary school honoured at top awards ceremony for being thoroughly good sports

Whittlefield Primary School was recognised for its commitment to school PE and sport.

The school was originally shortlisted by an independent panel of judges at their local sports awards in Burnley in July where it went on to win the coveted, ‘Local Sports Primary School of the Year’ award.

This accolade recognises schools who show commitment, drive and innovation to provide their children with access to high quality PE and sporting opportunities

The winning primary schools from across each borough of Lancashire then progressed through to the county awards which are organised and hosted by Active Lancashire.

Held at The Grand Hotel in Blackpool, Whittlefield narrowly missed out on overall Primary School of the Year but received a highly commended from the judges.

Over the past twelve months Whittlefield has developed a fully inclusive PE and sport offer which

aims to ensure all children are given the opportunity to take part in at least two hours of PE, 30

minutes of daily activity and looks to ensure that all children represent their school at competitions

and festivals.

It has worked with the Youth Sport Trust, Burnley School Sport Partnership and the Lancashire PE advisor to develop a PE curriculum that allows children not only to gain new physical and sporting skills but supports them to develop their self-esteem, confidence and resilience.

The school also has a dedicated sports council made up of children from across all years who work

with their PE lead and teachers to ensure that the activities delivered are what the young people want. Young play leaders are then trained and deployed to ensure there is a full programme of sporting activities available.

School Games Organiser and Partnership Manager of the School Sport Partnership Helen Tyson

said: “The staff and pupils at Whittlefield have worked incredibly hard to be recognised for this award.

"The school has a thorough commitment to improving school sport provision for their children.

"Over the forthcoming year I am certain the school will maintain this standard and offer many more sporting opportunities. "