Physical Education
Vision Statement for PE at Holly House Special School
At Holly House Special School, our vision for Physical Education is to nurture the Head, Hand, and Heart of every learner, empowering them to thrive through movement, connection, and growth.
- Head – We develop each pupil’s understanding of physical health, movement, and the value of an active lifestyle. Through engaging, inclusive lessons, we foster cognitive growth, problem-solving, and self-awareness in every activity.
- Hand – We build practical skills, coordination, and confidence in physical tasks tailored to each child’s needs. Our PE is hands-on, accessible, and creative designed to help pupils experience success and joy in movement.
- Heart – We cultivate a love of participation, teamwork, and resilience. PE at Holly House encourages emotional expression, builds self-esteem, and promotes respectful relationships—ensuring every child feels valued, safe, and celebrated.
Through Head, Hand, and Heart, PE becomes a powerful pathway for personal development, well-being, and lifelong learning.
INTENT
At Holly House Special School, our Physical Education (PE) curriculum is rooted in the Head, Hand, Heart model, ensuring a holistic approach to the development of every pupil. We recognise that physical activity is a vital part of personal growth, health, and well-being, especially for pupils with additional needs. Our intent is to:
- Head (Thinking): Develop pupils’ understanding of the importance of physical health, movement, and safety; support cognitive engagement through planning, problem-solving, and decision-making in physical contexts.
- Hand (Doing): Build core motor skills, coordination, and physical confidence through adapted and meaningful physical activity suited to each child’s developmental level.
- Heart (Feeling): Foster positive attitudes, self-esteem, teamwork, emotional regulation, and enjoyment through inclusive and supportive physical experiences.
Our curriculum is designed to meet a wide range of needs, helping every pupil access, enjoy, and succeed in physical activity, no matter their starting point.
IMPLEMENTATION
We deliver a broad, inclusive, and progressively structured PE curriculum that reflects the Head, Hand, Heart principles:
- Head:
- Teaching children to understand rules, follow instructions, reflect on their actions, and make informed choices around activity and health.
- Embedding cross-curricular links, such as counting steps in movement games or exploring emotions through dance and movement.
- Hand:
- Providing regular, differentiated physical activities that support motor development and functional movement.
- Using multi-sensory approaches, adapted equipment, and visual supports to promote access and engagement.
- Incorporating swimming, sensory circuits, dance, team games, and outdoor activities to suit a wide range of physical and sensory needs.
- Heart:
- Creating a safe, nurturing environment that encourages participation and celebrates individual effort and achievement.
- Promoting teamwork, cooperation, resilience, and respect through structured group activities and inclusive sports.
- Building positive relationships and emotional well-being through movement and play.
Staff work closely with therapists, support staff, and families to ensure PE targets align with EHCPs and individual learning pathways. All lessons are adapted to reflect pupils’ physical, emotional, and sensory profiles.
IMPACT
The impact of our PE curriculum at Holly House is measured through ongoing observation, assessment, and pupil voice. We see positive change across all areas of the Head, Hand, Heart model:
- Head:
- Pupils gain a growing awareness of their own bodies, health, and how physical activity can support well-being.
- Improved attention, problem-solving, and ability to follow instructions in structured physical tasks.
- Hand:
- Clear progress in gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, and overall physical confidence.
- Increased participation in physical activity, both in school and beyond, including in clubs or family activities.
- Heart:
- Enhanced self-esteem, independence, and emotional regulation through successful participation in PE.
- Stronger peer relationships and social skills developed through collaborative games and shared physical experiences.
- High levels of enjoyment and engagement reported by pupils and observed by staff.
Our PE curriculum supports pupils in developing the skills, confidence, and self-belief to lead active, healthy lives and to transfer these benefits across all areas of their development.
PE delivery overview
holly house pe overview aut .pdf
