Quiz School

Schools Advocate Training - Why Section

Section 1: Why is PE Kit a Barrier?

Why is PE Kit a barrier for so many pupils?

• PE kit continues to be a significant barrier to participation, enjoyment and performance in sport and physical activity across a range of pupils.

Task 1: Check your understanding - tick all the below statements to understand why - ‘Too often, PE kit can…’

Fail to support the modern needs of girls

Sports kit was initially derived from male clothing versions which do not always suit female body types thus impacting how women and girl feel and undermining confidence.

Reinforce historical gender stereotypes

Most male and female oriented PE kits have been designed with a stereotypical male or female uniform in mind, originating from the historical separation of girls and boys via skirts and shorts. This does not support the practical needs of different bodies range of body types that exist.

Fail to support gender diversity and expression

Often PE kit can have male or female options (the latter which is predominantly based on male sizing), but do not support the diverse range of people who want to participate in sport. Gendered uniforms impact everyone when comfort and choice is not put first.

Inadequately support religious or ethnic preferences

PE kit often stipulates short sleeved tops and shorts that would affect the participation of certain faith groups who require arms and legs to be covered for modesty. Equally the wearing of hijabs and other head garments have been restricted and even prevented within some sporting arenas, which impacts engagement and confidence.

Inadequately support the needs of disabled and neurodiverse people

PE kit has often been designed for non-disabled body types and so does not fully consider ease of access or type of materials used which could impact and effect some pupils with disabilities or neurodiversity.

Fail to cater for all socio-economic backgrounds

PE kit often requests specific items for certain sports and branded items which can be costly and present economic barriers.

How does PE kit impact physical and mental health?

• Inclusive PE kit can help more young people stay active and develop life-long relationships with sport and activity.
• PE kit is a public health issue because it can directly affect how young people engage with activity and their bodies.

Task 2: Answer if you think these statements are True or False. [Data updated 2024]

PE kit is vital for developing a young person’s relationship with movement and physical activity for life – defined as ‘physical literacy’ by Sport England.

TRUEFALSE

81% of children and young people in England meet the UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity.

TRUEFALSE

Significantly more girls enjoy PE less from age 8 to age 14, but that is normal for girls.

TRUEFALSE

1 in 3 secondary girls feel their PE kit stops them from being active / more active.

TRUEFALSE

Why are sports bras so important in schools?

• Practicality for girls means supporting them through puberty, and that means girls must have access to adequate sports bra knowledge and access.

[Note - These statistics relate to responses from the Women in Sport 2024 Study.]

Task 4: Click True or False to check your understanding.

2 in 3 secondary school girls wear sports bras.

TRUEFALSE

Only 14% of girls report sports bras being on their school PE kit.

TRUEFALSE

When girls wear a sports bra for exercise, it increases their comfort, confidence and ability to jump.

TRUEFALSE

1 in 3 secondary girls feel their PE kit stops them from being active / more active.

TRUEFALSE

Why is collaboration key for a successful inclusive PE kit policy?

• Our pupils know what would help them feel more comfortable and confident in PE kit.
• It is our responsibility to listen to them.
• The top 3 suggestions for kit improvement were the same for boys as girls although there were marked differences in percentages.

[Note - These statistics relate to responses about PE kit within the Youth Sport Trust 2024 Girls Active Survey.]

Task 5: Check your understanding - tick all the below statements to understand what the top 3 suggestions for kit improvements were for pupils.

More PE kit options to choose from

80% say comfort increase, 45% say confidence increases, 46% say their ability to run and jump without anxiety

Wearing extra layers

This was not in the top 3 but is important.

Improving the look of their PE / sports kit

29% of girls and 20% of boys wanted the look of their PE / sports kit to improve.

Allowing leggings to be worn

This was not in the top 3 but is important.

Wearing tracksuit bottoms in PE

This was not in the top 3 but is important.

Having more flexibility and choice with extra-curricular kit

29% of girls and 25% of boys wanted more flexibility with extra-curricular kit.

Your Current Uniform Policy

Many schools may have had the same school uniform and PE kit for years as the process of making changes can be long and involves essential input and agreement of a number of parties including Senior Leaders, Governors, Uniform Suppliers, parents and pupils.

It is important for schools to review the items they specify within their uniform lists to ensure they remain current and reflect the evolving needs of pupils and parents.

Task 6: Think about your current uniform policy

We invite you to consider:

When was your schools’ PE kit last reviewed?

Do you have gendered PE kit lists?

Does your current kit reflect the changing social circumstances?

How effective are the fabrics and materials used within your PE kit?

How many items are requested and are they all still needed?

How costly is your PE kit and could this be improved?

Is there a need for a separate school and PE uniform?

What are pupils and parents’ views on your schools’ PE kit?

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Thank you for completing this section of the Advocate Training specifically focused on ensuring inclusive PE kits are developed and available for pupils in all schools.

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