School sports and children with disabilities
Schools have a responsibility to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all children. They should aim to give every pupil the opportunity to experience success in learning and to achieve as high a standard as possible.
Access statement
The revised curriculum (now in place for all pupils of compulsory school age in grant-aided schools) was designed to be more accessible and relevant for everyone. And, it incorporates an 'access statement' to ensure equality of opportunity and access for all.
Physical education and pupils with disabilities
Physical Education (PE) is a compulsory part of the curriculum at all Key Stages for all pupils of compulsory school age. All pupils should have access to PE and disability should not be a barrier to inclusion in sport programmes.
School sport should be fun and attractive to all children whatever their level of skill. PE and sport play an important role in school life - improving health and developing social skills.
The Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 brought schools and the Education and Library Boards (ELBs) within the scope of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).
This means that it is unlawful for schools and ELBs to discriminate against disabled pupils in the education or associated services provided for, or offered to disabled pupils at the school. In relation to these services it is also unlawful for disabled pupils to be placed at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to pupils who are not disabled.
Arrangements at schools should be in place to support young people with physical and learning disabilities to have good access to physical education and sport in both mainstream and special school settings. This includes teacher support and, where necessary, buying special equipment.
Schools and ELBs are required to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises, policies and procedures to avoid disadvantaging pupils with disabilities.
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