Physical activity and PE

Physical education (PE) is a compulsory part of the curriculum for all pupils at every Key Stage.

National guidelines and resources and local assets in Richmond are available to assist and complement the teaching of PE. 

National guidelines and resources

A number of national bodies and organisations provide information about the teaching of PE.

Department for Education (DfE)

The Department for Education (DfE) recommends that all pupils should receive a minimum of two hours of curricular PE per week for all Key Stages. DfE provides physical education programmes of study on its website: 

• Key Stage 1 and 2 
• Key Stage 3 and 4

World Health Organisation (WHO)

WHO's Promoting physical activity through schools briefing highlights the importance of embedding physical activity throughout the school day. This will help meet the recommendations of achieving a daily 60 minutes of moderate physical activity for 5 to 18 year olds.

Other bodies and organisations 

• UK Chief Medical Officers report- physical activity guidelines 
• Physical activity guidelines: disabled children and young people 
• What works in schools and colleges to increase physical activity - a briefing providing an overview of the evidence 
• The Daily Mile is a free initiative helping schools to rebuild their children’s fitness and improve their emotional and mental health – all outdoors in the fresh air. This includes an annual London Mini Marathon initiative. Register to receive information. 
• Cosmic kids offers free online fun yoga for children and promotes mindfulness through fun stories
• The Association for Physical Education provides quality-assured services and resources, and professional support for members 
• Change4life offers information about active hobbies and sports, to fun 10-minute-shake-up games for children to play at home with their families
• A-life provide healthy living workshops, fun fitness and other personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) curricular sessions for primary schools   

Local assets in Richmond

The borough offers a range of spaces, activities and opportunities that can promote good physical health. 

Sports, leisure venues and outdoor spaces 

Find out more about all the sports and fitness centres and pools in the borough.

Our parks and open spaces are also great places to be active.  

School travel plan

School travel planning promotes healthy, safe and sustainable travel to school. Read more on the STARS accreditation programme or join one of the school workshops.

For more information you can email stp@richmond.gov.uk. 

Cycling and other activities

Check our cycling page for a range of ways you can be active on your bike. We offer training to help children and adults learn how to cycle, and to cycle safely. 

The borough also offers a variety of opportunities for:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Outdoor gyms