30 September 2026
ParalympicsGB launch Equal Play in PE with NatWest Thrive
ParalympicsGB, partnered with NatWest Thrive, are launching Equal Play in PE: a new programme for the 2026-27 academic year to support teachers to deliver truly inclusive PE.
The programme forms part of ParalympicsGB’s wider Equal Play campaign, which is calling for equal access to PE and school sport for disabled children. With only one in four disabled children regularly taking part in PE and school sport, Equal Play is seeking to tackle the barriers that can leave disabled children on the sidelines, including gaps in teacher training, confidence and access to inclusive provision.
Equal Play in PE is one practical response to those barriers, giving teachers tools and resources to adapt everyday PE lessons so more children can participate.
New research
Inclusive PE matters. So ParalympicsGB, partnered with NatWest Thrive, surveyed over 150 teachers across the UK to find out why the gap between knowing and doing remains so wide.
Our new research across UK primary and secondary schools reveals a clear picture: teachers are committed, classrooms are complex, and the practical support simply hasn’t kept up.
The Reality on the Ground
Inclusive PE is happening – but it’s running on instinct, rather than practical support and training.
The reality on the ground
Every teacher surveyed encounters communication and attention needs in lessons, with 95% encountering physical or sensory needs. Yet confidence in supporting physical needs sits at just 45%. Fewer than 1 in 10 feel very confident delivering parasports.
The range of needs has increased hugely… it’s very difficult for teachers to sometimes understand their needs and support them in the necessary way.
Without clear guidance, teachers search wherever they can. 28% turn to social media and 23% use AI. Only 18% are part of an inclusive PE network, despite 65% saying they’d want to be.
Every child should be included in PE
The Knowing-Doing Gap
89% of teachers understand inclusion in principle but only 44% find SEND guidance easy to apply to an actual PE lesson. Confidence comes from experience, not training, leaving early-career and non-specialist primary teachers at a persistent disadvantage.
Above all, 97% teachers said inclusive PE is about belonging, confidence and enjoyment. 57% ranked belonging as the most important outcome – above participation, above skill development.
If the CPD isn’t there, it’s just relying on intuition – as opposed to having the confidence of being backed up by research.
Equal Play in PE
Teachers told us what they need. ParalympicsGB with NatWest Thrive are launching Equal Play in PE: a new programme for the 2026-27 academic year to support teachers to deliver truly inclusive PE.
In its first year, Equal Play in PE will focus on primary schools before expanding into secondary education.
The programme will help teachers:
- Feel more confident delivering inclusive PE
- Save time planning and adapting lessons
- Support a wider range of needs effectively
- Create lessons where every pupil feels included
On service days the PE teachers come together. We share ideas – it just saves somebody some time if you’ve already created something.
Most effective adaptations vary by need, yet support must work in real-life conditions, where teachers often lack additional staff, time, or specialist equipment.
Teachers want practical, PE-specific support that shows how to adapt real activities for different needs, allowing them to make quick, confident decisions in the moment.
Our resources will be:
- Needs based and activity specific
- Practical and based on real examples
- Easy to use to support in the moment decision making
- Realistic and accessible
Every week, every year, every child should be included in PE.
Sign up here to be the first to find out more and get early access to these resources: getset.co.uk/equalplaype
Every week, every year, every child should be included in PE
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