PE SEND Programme 2025/26 - Competitive Grant Opportunity

THIS IS A COMPETITIVE GRANT OPPORTUNITY

The Department is seeking bids for a grant programme for 3 financial years (2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-2028) to develop and deliver a programme that improves and increases PE, school sport and physical activity opportunities available to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A programme that is open to both primary and secondary pupils (Key Stages 1 - 4) in mainstream schools, academies, special schools and alternative provision settings across all 9 regions of England.

We are looking for measurable and sustained improvement in:

• The upskilling of teachers and the wider school workforce to provide high quality and inclusive PE, school sport and physical activity for pupils with SEND.

• Opportunities for pupils with SEND to achieve 20 minutes of physical activity a day and undertake strength and balance activities 3 times a week, as recommended by the UK Chief Medical Officers.

• The engagement and participation of pupils with SEND in PE, school sport and physical activity, within the core school day and in extracurricular provision.

• Opportunities for children with SEND to thrive through PE and sport (e.g. developing resilience, leadership and belonging).

We would also be interested in bids that sought to Improve the quality of school swimming and water safety lessons for pupils with SEND.

Grant funding of up to £300,000 is secured for the first year (2025-26). Funding for 2 additional years (up to £300,000 for 2026-27 and up to £300,000 for 2027-28) will be subject to agreement of departmental priorities as part of the Spending Review and assessment of programme performance.

For more details and access to the full suite of bidding documents please got to the Departments e-Tendering portal, Jaggaer: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/ - From the Home page, click 'view opportunities' and click on PE SEND Programme 2025/26 to express your interest.