Foundation teaches importance of physical activity

Pupils and staff from North East primary schools gathered at the Beacon of Light for a special event to highlight the importance of physical education in the curriculum. Supported by education recruitment specialists The Education Network, Foundation of Light's Primary Stars Football Festival and Schools Conference demonstrated how sport and play can have a positive impact on children's physical and mental wellbeing. During the free event, held on Friday 7th June, dozens of youngsters showed off their skills on the Beacon's 4G rooftop pitch while headteachers discovered how Foundation’s expert Education team can offer bespoke support in school sport, PSHE, teacher mentoring and extra-curricular clubs through the Primary Stars programme. David Langthorne, Senior Education Consultant at The Education Network, said: "It was a really good day at the Beacon of Light. "We had ten schools taking part in the festival based around the national curriculum while also giving teachers the opportunity to find out more about what we do and how we can supply teachers and teaching assistants to schools across Sunderland and the North East. "The Foundation also did a talk about how they can support schools with the fantastic facilities here at the Beacon such as classrooms, sports areas, Ministry of Food Kitchen and Engineering Zone. The facilities are fantastic." Daniel Harrison, Executive Headteacher at Ox Close Primary School, added: "We've worked with the Foundation for quite some time through a range of different programmes.

We've always found their coaches and staff to be remarkably supportive and very popular with the children and courses such as Family Learning have have a high engagement and buy-in from parents.

"The Foundation has supported us during SATs week delivering Maths and English sessions while Primary Stars has helped upskill our staff and given the children wonderful experiences." The national curriculum-linked Primary Stars programme uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills. Michael Colclough, Foundation of Light's Head of Delivery Operations, said: "We were delighted to host the Primary Stars Football Festival and Schools Conference and we are very grateful to The Education Network for supporting the event. "Friday was the ideal opportunity for schools to discover more about our Primary Stars delivery and how we can tailor our approach to benefit their pupils and staff through different curriculum areas as well as showcase the incredible facilities we have at the Beacon of Light." To find out more about The Education Network, visit www.theeducationnetwork.co.uk.