To support Caerphilly Council in progressing its plans for 21st Century schools, Just Solutions were engaged to undertake a review addressing:

Issues;

The suitability of current provision; 

Future opportunities.

The work included:

Facilitated consultative interviews with appropriate Senior Managers, Head Teachers and Teachers, Sport Wales and Physical Education specialists to seek their advice and support for future provision;

An evaluation of evidence and issues with current provision as well as good practice;

A review of literature and development ideas in both England and Wales; 

The development of a prototype vision to inform future design briefs and delivery plans for further testing with stakeholders as well as schools and their communities;

Developing school/community facility models for 21st Century Physical Activity, Sport and PE designed to best suit different locations and be appropriate to the needs to different catchment communities as well as complementing other existing facilities;

Suggesting recommended management models and templates for future service agreements to ensure successful usage.  

The vision for Physical Activity, Sport and PE for new schools and developed by Just Solutions included:

21st Century outdoor playing provision using modern all-weather surfaces that maximise use by both school and community whilst at the same time designed to provide exciting, inspiring and flexible teaching spaces serving the needs of all pupils.

Aims for Learning in Schools:

To provide inspiring learning experiences exposing young people to an exciting range of activities and facilities; 

To develop children and young peoples' physical literacy skills through the use of inspirational facilities and a motivational approach to teaching.

Aims for Sport in the Community:

Alongside an inspirational school based activity experience, community sport i.e. sports clubs, should be supported to complement the learners' Physical Activity, Sport and PE experiences – extending their sports participation and performance opportunities and raising knowledge and skills outside of formal education.

Our recommendations have received favourable response from the Local Authority and the next stage will involve further negotiations with Head Teachers and Planners.