Primary PE Lead Network Meeting – November 2025 Summary
Last week, we welcomed PE Leads to our first Network Meeting of the 2025–26 year. The session focused on national updates, practical guidance and real opportunities to strengthen PE provision as we head into a year of change for primary schools.
Our aim was simple:
clarity, confidence and community for PE Leads navigating the Ofsted Framework 2025, the PE and Sport Premium requirements and the upcoming Curriculum & Assessment Review.
Key themes we explored
1. Ofsted Framework 2025 – What PE leads need to know
We unpacked the most significant shifts in the new Ofsted framework, including:
- A move from isolated Deep Dives to collaborative inspection conversations
- A Report Card replacing single-word judgements
- A stronger thread of inclusion, wellbeing and curriculum coherence
- Increased expectations around how PE supports SEND, disadvantaged pupils and wider school priorities
PE Leads discussed how to confidently articulate their curriculum intent, sequencing and impact using clear evidence.
2. Curriculum & Assessment Review – Looking ahead to 2028
We reviewed what’s emerging from the national PE Curriculum & Assessment Review:
- Refreshed PE aims focusing on skills, participation and wellbeing
- Greater emphasis on Dance, Swimming and Outdoor & Adventurous Activities
- A curriculum designed to support the whole child (physical, cognitive, social, emotional)
- Draft due Spring 2027 with implementation planned for September 2028
Schools were encouraged to start reflecting on current provision now, so changes aren’t overwhelming later.
3. PE and Sport Premium – Clarity on Monitoring & Reporting
With accountability higher this year, we looked closely at the expectations around the PE and Sport Premium:
- Timelines for reporting
- Essential evidence schools need to demonstrate impact
- How to use digital reporting tools effectively
- A walkthrough of afPE/YST’s new Premium Tracker
For many PE Leads, this was the most valuable part of the session.
What PE leads said about the session
When asked which part of the session they found most valuable, PE Leads shared:
“Showing us the Sports Premium documents — especially the tracker! This is going to make life so much easier.”
“Information regarding timings for completing the PE and Sport Premium monitoring and tracking form.”
“All of it was really useful – it was great to have the new curriculum condensed and the Ofsted focus explained.”
“The key changes were highlighted and explained clearly.”
“It was presented with a good pace, the resources were shared afterwards, and everything was as up-to-date as it could be.”
“Looking at the PE Premium and the digital reporting was really valuable.”
This feedback shows exactly why these network meetings matter: PE Leads need clear, current and practical support and a space to ask real questions.
Want to join the next PE Lead Network Meetings?
If you missed the November session, don’t worry, we have two more opportunities coming up:
Network Meeting 2 – Tuesday 10th March 2026
Network Meeting 3 – Tuesday 9th June 2026
Sessions will continue to focus on:
- National updates
- Practical strategies for improving PE provision
- Assessment, curriculum sequencing and staff confidence
- Sharing good practice across schools
Book your place here:
https://buytickets.at/phactiveed/1884954
Use your space, bring your questions and connect with other PE Leads facing the same challenges.
Thank you for joining us
Thank you to everyone who took part in the November meeting and contributed so openly. Your engagement helps shape these sessions to be as practical and useful as possible.
If you’d like follow-up support, resources or a school-specific consultation, feel free to get in touch at abbie.morrissey@phactiveed.co.uk.
