Understanding Safeguarding in PE and After-School Sports Clubs
Safeguarding is a fundamental part of every child’s school experience — and it’s particularly important in physical education, extracurricular clubs, and sport. Whether PE is delivered internally or by an external provider, schools must have robust systems in place to ensure that all children are safe, respected, and protected from harm. There are specific safeguarding considerations for PE and physical activity in primary schools that must be acknowledged. Hence, knowing what safeguarding considerations apply to PE and physical activity in primary schools is vital.
Safeguarding in PE and after-school sports clubs includes a wide range of considerations. These range from staff qualifications and supervision to risk assessments, behaviour management, medical protocols, and child protection procedures.
As physical activity often involves closer interaction, use of equipment, and higher-risk environments (e.g. sports halls, outdoor spaces), safeguarding becomes even more crucial in ensuring physical and emotional safety. Identifying what safeguarding considerations apply to PE is vital for maintaining a safe environment. Indeed, understanding what safeguarding considerations apply to PE and physical activity in primary schools is key.
Key Safeguarding Measures in School Sport
Every school must ensure that staff involved in PE and sport — including visiting coaches or volunteers — follow core safeguarding protocols. These include:
- Holding an enhanced DBS certificate
- Completing safeguarding and child protection training
- Being trained in paediatric first aid
- Understanding and following the school’s own safeguarding policy
- Using appropriate behaviour management techniques
- Conducting regular risk assessments of activities, equipment, and environments
- Ensuring proper staff-to-pupil ratios are maintained
In after-school and wraparound care settings, additional measures should be in place for secure handovers, late collection procedures, and communication with parents or carers.
Why Safeguarding in PE and After-School Clubs Is Essential
Safeguarding failures in PE and sport can lead to serious consequences — from injuries and emotional harm to complaints, parental concerns, or formal investigations. Schools are ultimately responsible for ensuring that every adult working with pupils meets legal requirements. This applies even if that adult is employed by an external organisation. Schools must be clear about what safeguarding considerations apply to PE and physical activity to prevent potential issues.
Ofsted inspectors now routinely assess how well schools manage safeguarding in all aspects of provision. This includes sport, enrichment, and wraparound care. Having clear systems in place to manage safeguarding in PE and after-school sports clubs not only keeps children safe but also protects your school’s reputation and legal standing.
How Sprint Active Maintains the Highest Safeguarding Standards
Sprint Active is committed to safeguarding as a non-negotiable priority. Every member of our team:
- Is enhanced DBS-checked
- Completes regular safeguarding and child protection training
- Is paediatric first aid trained
- Receives ongoing training in safe supervision, behaviour management, and compliance
- Follows over 80 documented policies and procedures, aligned with DfE guidelines and school requirements
We conduct detailed risk assessments for every activity and venue we work in. We also liaise with schools to ensure full safeguarding alignment with your own policies. Whether we’re delivering PE, after-school clubs, or wraparound care, you can trust that our systems are safe, professional, and Ofsted-ready. Understanding what safeguarding considerations apply to PE and physical activity in primary schools helps us maintain our high standards.
👉 Learn more about our safeguarding-first approach on the School Services page
