Physical Environment Guide

Practical guidance to help schools make better use of their physical environment to support movement, inclusion, wellbeing and learning.

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What's included?

Video Case Study

Hear from Katie Phillips, Development Manager – Sport at the Youth Sport Trust, as she shares inspiring examples of how schools are using their physical environments to support movement and wellbeing.

Case Study Summary

Read a brief overview of the key messages and practical learning from the video.

Top Tips Guide

Download a practical guide packed with ideas, prompts and actions to help you apply the learning in your own school.

Further Reading

Explore additional research, guidance and resources to deepen your understanding and support implementation in your own context.

Part of the Well Culture pillar

This resource is recommended for schools looking to improve their 'Well Culture' provision. You can find out more about your priorities by completing the Well Check.

Why it works

This resource is linked to the Well Culture pillar of Well Schools. A well school creates safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces that support pupils to learn, move and thrive. Making thoughtful use of the physical environment can create more opportunities for activity, help pupils feel a greater sense of belonging and ensure school spaces work well for a wider range of needs.

Question 1 – What is the impact on pupil outcomes?

Making better use of the physical environment can create more opportunities for movement, helping pupils regulate, engage and become ready to learn while supporting participation throughout the school day.

Question 2 – What is the impact on staff and the wider school community?

Thinking creatively about existing spaces can help staff create a more inclusive and supportive environment, while using pupil voice can build a better understanding of how different children experience and use the spaces around them.

Question 3 – What are the wider impacts of this approach?

A whole-school approach to the physical environment can make movement more accessible and inclusive without necessarily requiring additional space, facilities or significant investment, helping schools make better use of the assets they already have.

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