William Howard School is delighted to have been asked by the Youth Sport Trust to become a Lead Inclusion School for Physical Education and Sport for Cumbria.
As a Lead Inclusion School, William Howard will host a variety of inclusive sporting events throughout the year for other schools from all around Cumbria, as well as those within Cumbria Education Trust. As part of the school’s ‘Character Curriculum’, a group of Year 9 students will be trained as Sports Leaders to facilitate the events and lead activities.
The Youth Sport Trust aims to improve the quality of physical education and sports provision for SEND pupils by working with PE leads, teachers, special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) and teaching assistants. The work is delivered by a network of Lead Inclusion Schools across England, recognised for their expertise in engaging students with Special Educational Needs (SEND) to participate, compete and lead through physical activity and school sport.
With the aim to upskill the education sector in the importance of inclusion, the school will also provide advice and support to other schools by demonstrating best practice and signposting staff to available training.
For many years, Tracey Croucher, a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant at William Howard School, has been providing an array of inclusive sporting opportunities for students with SEND, both in school and for the wider community. Her extensive work in this field has led to her being invited to become the Inclusive Lead for Cumbria. Back in June, her tireless commitment to providing opportunities for students was recognised with a Pride of Cumbria Award.
Tracey Croucher said, “I am looking forward to the year ahead. Students with SEND gain so much from taking part in sport. It’s not only great for their physical and mental health, but it also helps with life skills. The students gain independence, grow in confidence, learn team working skills and sportsmanship. They can experience success, have great fun and make new friends.”
Former William Howard Student and 2024 Paralympic medal winner, Anna Nicholson demonstrates how important it is to provide inclusive sports opportunities for students in school. Her sporting journey began at William Howard School and this year she was on the Paralympic Podium in Paris receiving the Bronze medal in the women’s F35 shot put event.
It is not just about those amazing successes though, the opportunity to take part and be fully included at whatever level is paramount.
Year 13 student Andrew Kyle, who regularly attends the extra-curricular table cricket and boccia clubs, explained: “I started going to the extracurricular clubs when I was in Year 8. I was quite quiet when I started, but it really helped with my communication skills. Being made captain of the table cricket and boccia teams really boosted my confidence. A highlight for me was winning the regional boccia finals in Liverpool.
Kayden Dawes in Year 9, who attends the inclusive after school and breaktime clubs, added: “I enjoy the football most, everybody is so nice that comes to the practices.” He added some positive encouragement: “I always tell people there’s no such word as ‘can’t’.”
Fellow Year 9 student Emily Kennon, who has played in a number of the boccia and table cricket tournaments around the country, said, “I love sport because it’s helped me make new friends. Boccia is my favourite and I’ve won awards for playing it. My advice to anyone would be to join in – you’ll have great fun!”
Mrs Croucher (above) with some of the students who attended the inclusive extra-curricular clubs (Nicky Errington, Andrew Kyle and Emily Kennon)
Anna Nicholson with her 2024 Paralympic bronze medal.
