The PE Umbrella | Podcasting ALL things Primary Ph

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Gill Connell for a conversation about something that sits at the heart of everything we do in PE, movement. Gill shares her fascinating perspective on how movement helps shape the developing brain, and why it matters so much for children's learning, development and readiness for school. We explore everything from crawling and the development of the midline to the way children move from real experiences towards more abstract learning, and why movement is about so much more than physical development. We also talk about the growing impact of technology, the importance of movement-rich environments, and how teachers can use movement intentionally to support children's cognitive, social and emotional development. Above all, this is a conversation that challenges us to think differently about movement, not as something that sits alongside learning, but as a fundamental part of how children learn and grow. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Nicola Cosgrove for a fascinating conversation about student ownership and what can happen when we give children more of a say in their PE experiences. Although Nicola teaches secondary PE, there are plenty of ideas here that can translate directly into primary settings. We explore what genuine ownership actually looks like, moving beyond simply letting pupils lead activities and towards giving them meaningful opportunities to make decisions, take initiative and shape their own learning. We discuss the role of choice, trust and flexibility, and how giving pupils greater ownership can influence motivation, engagement, confidence and the way they think about themselves as learners. Nicola also shares some wonderfully practical approaches, including how simple routines can become stepping stones towards greater independence, and how technology can help children and teachers reflect on learning. It's a conversation that challenges us to consider whether we're giving children enough opportunity to have a voice in PE and what might happen if we trusted them with a little more. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Daniel Lycett for a thought-provoking conversation about what great primary PE can look and feel like for children. We explore the importance of physical competency, helping children see themselves as capable movers, and creating PE experiences that give them opportunities to explore, make choices and challenge themselves. We also get into gamification, motivation and autonomy, asking whether we've sometimes made PE too focused on competition when children may actually value the opportunity to simply move, play and discover what they can do. Along the way, Daniel shares some of the common traps we can fall into when designing PE and challenges us to think carefully about the experiences we're creating and the impact they might have on how children view themselves as movers. It's a conversation about movement, motivation, confidence and, ultimately, creating a positive culture around PE that children want to be part of. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Dominic Tollan for a wide-ranging conversation about what primary PE is really for, and what we might be missing when we reduce it to sport and physical skills. We talk about the role of the primary teacher, the lasting impact of COVID-19 on children's movement experiences, and why fundamental movement skills still matter, but perhaps not in the way we sometimes think they do. We also explore the Make Time for PE campaign and the case for giving primary PE the time, attention and support it deserves. Along the way, we have a really interesting conversation about the relationship between play and PE, and whether we've sometimes made children's movement experiences more complicated than they need to be. We also get into something that sits at the heart of The PE Umbrella: purpose. Why are we teaching PE in the first place? What do we want children to take from it? And how might a clearer sense of purpose influence the confidence, enjoyment and engagement we see in our lessons? It's a conversation about confidence, purpose, play, movement and enjoyment and a reminder that primary PE has the potential to influence far more than what a child can physically do. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined again by Dr Emma Powell for a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation about the role of swimming within primary physical education and why we may need to rethink what success in school swimming really looks like. Together, we explore the place of swimming within the wider PE curriculum, discussing how we can move beyond a narrow focus on outcomes and consider the broader experiences children have before, during and after entering the water. We delve into the concept of aquatic literacy, examining why confidence, competence, understanding and meaningful experiences in and around water matter just as much as the ability to swim a certain distance. Along the way, we discuss some of the challenges schools face in delivering high-quality swimming provision, including assessment, access, inequalities and the realities of adapting practice to meet the needs of all learners. One particularly powerful part of our conversation focuses on children's lived experiences of swimming. We explore the emotions that often accompany school swimming, from excitement and enjoyment to anxiety, self-consciousness and vulnerability. We also consider how seemingly small factors, such as changing room experiences, can have a significant impact on a child's relationship with swimming and water-based activities. We discuss swimming as a vital life skill and a form of 'protective armour' for children, while also reflecting on the barriers that prevent some young people from developing confidence and competence in the water. Throughout the episode, Emma shares practical insights, research findings and ideas that can help teachers create more positive, inclusive and meaningful swimming experiences for every child. Whether you're a class teacher, PE lead, swimming coordinator or simply passionate about helping children develop a lifelong relationship with movement, this conversation will challenge your thinking and leave you reflecting on what truly matters when it comes to school swimming. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Mike Kuczala & Lynne Kenney for a fascinating conversation exploring one of the most important relationships in education: the connection between movement, the brain and learning. Together, we explore why movement is not simply something children do during PE or at break time, but a fundamental part of how they develop, learn and engage with the world around them. We discuss the role of the brain-body connection, how children's early movement experiences shape development, and why understanding systems such as the vestibular system can help us better appreciate the importance of movement throughout childhood. The conversation also explores what intentional movement can look like within classrooms, how small opportunities to move can influence attention, focus and behaviour, and why we should think carefully about creating environments where children are not expected to be still for long periods of time. We reflect on the relationship between physical education and learning, the importance of developmentally appropriate movement experiences, and how we can support children to build positive relationships with movement that last far beyond their time at school. Whether you're a primary teacher, PE lead or simply passionate about helping children thrive through movement, this episode will challenge your thinking and provide practical ideas you can take into your own setting. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Author of Wanna Teach PE and Wanna Lead PE, Ben Holden, for a rich conversation exploring the realities of primary PE leadership and what it takes to create meaningful, consistent experiences for every child. Together, we unpack some of the biggest questions facing PE leaders today. How do we ensure PE reflects the unique context of our school? How can we genuinely listen to and act upon pupil voice? And what does effective PE leadership actually look like beyond organising events and managing resources? Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of building confidence and competence amongst staff, creating equitable experiences for all pupils, and finding meaningful ways to measure the impact of PE. We also discuss the wider influence of PE within school communities, from engaging parents and celebrating success, to shaping school culture and strengthening connections beyond the school gates. Along the way, we reflect on the characteristics of schools where PE is truly valued, the priorities that matter most for PE leaders, and the changes children experience when high-quality leadership is in place. Most importantly, we consider how PE can become a vehicle for helping children not only move more, but also think, connect and grow in confidence. Whether you're an experienced PE lead, new to the role, or simply passionate about improving children's experiences of physical education, this episode is packed with practical insights, thoughtful reflections and plenty of food for thought. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Dr Gerald Griggs for a thought-provoking conversation about what meaningful learning in primary PE really looks like. Together, we explore how we can create lessons that are more than just physically active, considering how children think, connect, grow in confidence and, most importantly, enjoy the experience of learning through movement. We discuss what progression really means in primary PE, why periods of struggle or plateau can actually be valuable learning opportunities, and how some of the routines or practices we use with the best intentions may unintentionally exclude certain children from fully engaging. We also reflect on the purpose of primary PE within the wider curriculum, question whether schemes of work should be viewed as a guide rather than a script, and explore how creative, unconventional approaches can help children develop skills in more meaningful ways. As the conversation unfolds, we touch on an idea close to the heart of The PE Umbrella: have we become too focused on the physical aspects of PE, while overlooking the equally important cognitive, social and emotional experiences that shape children's lifelong relationship with movement? Whether you're a class teacher, PE lead or simply passionate about giving children the very best experiences in PE, this episode is packed with ideas to challenge your thinking and inspire your practice. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under The PE Umbrella

On this episode of The PE Umbrella Podcast I am joined by lecturer of Health and Physical Education at Deakin University, Cameron Van der Smee. Amongst many things, we delve into the essence of great primary physical education, emphasising a learning-focused approach, engaging lessons, and the impact of negative experiences on student engagement. The conversation covers inclusive teaching strategies, the wider learning in physical education, managing a wide range of abilities, quick fire tips, and the long-term impact of physical education on students. As always, there's something for everybody, whatever capacity you hold in the Primary PE space across the world. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by primary PE teacher and founder of Play Folke, Gareth Williams. The conversation covers Gareth's journey to teaching, the concept of Playfolke and changing perceptions of PE. Key takeaways include the importance of inclusive and engaging primary PE, building confidence in teaching PE, and the significance of relationship-building. If you're looking for practical advice, look no further. What are you waiting for? Come and join me under the umbrella.

On this special episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by best-selling author and co-host of the enormously successful High Performance podcast, Damian Hughes. In this conversation, Damian and I discuss the power of consistency, the definition of high performance, the concept of the say-do gap, and the building of confidence and resilience in children. We also talk about the power of feedback, the importance of challenge and failure, and creating a culture of kindness and acceptance. Above all, this conversation is grounded in the art of the possible, for those who work in schools every day. This is a truly remarkable conversation and learning opportunity that you can't afford to miss, so what are you waiting for? Come on over and join me under the umbrella. Don't forget to check out the School Coat Charity below. www.theschoolcoatcharity.co.uk

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Education research consultant, Vicky Randall. This episode discusses the topic of movement competence and delves into fundamental movement skills, transitional movement skills, the proficiency barrier, the impact of upbringing on movement competency, transitional movement skills in PE lessons, and signs of progress in movement learning. We also explore practical ways to support movement development in lessons, emphasising the importance of repetition and simplification. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella. Get that note pad and pen at the ready!

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by reader in PE & sport pedagogy at the Carnegie School of Sport, Dr Tom Quarmby The conversation explores trauma-informed practice in primary PE, discussing the impact of trauma on children's behaviour and the role of physical education in supporting pupils who have experienced trauma. Tom shares insights on trauma, its manifestations, and the principles of trauma-aware practice in PE. We also delve into facilitating and responding to youth voice, creating routines and structures, and reframing competition in a trauma-informed way. This is a conversation you can't afford to miss. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Elementary Physical Education Teacher at the American International School of Budapest, Rhys Meredith The conversation explores the key elements of great primary PE, focusing on student voice, choice, and meaningful experiences. It delves into the concept of just right challenges, student autonomy, and the impact of student feedback. The discussion also addresses the challenges of implementing student-centered approaches within the constraints of existing PE schemes and the importance of giving students agency in their learning. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by primary PE teacher at the United Nations international school of Hanoi, Matt Magowan In this episode we explore what excellent primary PE looks like, including show favourite questions from years gone by. The conversation covers the importance of transitions in PE lessons, the concept of student agency and choice in learning, effective classroom management and structure, and the significance of personal relevance in learning. Matt shares insights and strategies related to these themes, providing valuable takeaways for everybody working in the primary PE space. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

This week I am joined by Josh Candy joins me for another conversation on all things Physical Development. In this podcast episode, the conversation covers the definition of physical development in early years, the transition from secondary to primary PE, the distinction between PE, sport, and physical activity, the role of sports in PE lessons, and the importance of creating a consistent environment for PE lessons in early years. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

This week, Dominique Chiquet (founder of the motor skill learning academy in Switzerland) joins me for a conversation on all things Physical Development. This conversation delves into the philosophy and practical application of physical development in the early years, emphasizing the importance of exposure to diverse movement experiences. It explores the balance between structure and free exploration, the role of stories and make-believe, and the development of other skills beyond physical development. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.

In this conversation of The PE Umbrella podcast, Shane Pill and I discuss the key elements of great physical education, including pedagogical content knowledge, challenges for general primary teachers, and the impact of previous generations on physical competencies. Shane also explores the game-based approach and the importance of designing the environment for play, providing valuable insights for educators and specialists in the field of physical education. So what are you waiting for, come and join us Under the PE Umbrella.

Welcome to the very first episode of The PE Umbrella Archives. This mini-series will run as a thread through the main PE Umbrella podcast as a means to re-visit classic episodes of the show that have truly stood the test of time.  As the show approaches its' 9th Birthday, I have reflected on the many incredible episodes from years gone by and just how much I learned from producing them and having those career-defining conversations.  I also acknowledge that there are newer listeners of the show who may never have heard some of the very best conversations from the shows roots. Thus, The PE Umbrella Archives will bring back the very best episodes from the early years of the podcast (2015-2018) and re-master them for your listening pleasure.  The messages and knowledge bombs are timeless, so what are you waiting for? Come and join me in The PE Umbrella Archives, episode 1, with the sensational Professor Damian Hughes!

With me under the umbrella this week is assistant headteacher and author of the book ‘Making every PE lesson count’, James Crane. In this episode we find out exactly how to do just that, make every PE lesson count!  So what are you waiting for?  Come on over and join us under the PE umbrella.