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Is Your Child PE-Ready? 4 Essential things Reception Parents Should Know Before September

The time is here! If your child was born between September 2020 and August 2021, they will be one of over 600,000 children starting reception class at school this September.

This April, parents nationwide were notified of which school place their child had been allocated. Starting school is a huge milestone for both parents and children alike; there is a lot to contemplate and organise from school uniforms, pick up and drop offs, school dinners and, very importantly, PE lessons!

At PTC Sports, we have been working with schools across the country since 2013, delivering the most current and exciting sports activities. We know how much confidence in sports can support children’s physical, emotional, and social development, especially in eras of change like starting school. So, what can you do to help your child feel confident and ready for the transitions to school and PE lessons in September? Here’s our insider info for new school parents.

1. Build Physical Skills and Confidence Now
The countdown is on! There is only four months until the start of school! Now is the perfect time to start practising skills that will be taught in PE lessons to help your child get off to the best start. Gross motor skills are fundamental teachings of foundation learning. These skills aid balance and coordination, increase strength, support brain development, and aid school readiness. Hone your child’s gross motor skills with these simple activities:

• Running, jumping, hopping, skipping
• Climbing
• Balancing
• Throwing and catching
• Kicking and dribbling a ball
• Rolling balls or hoops
• Riding balance bikes or scooters

Top Tip: Did you know our PTC Sports holiday clubs are suitable for children from as young as 4 years old? Our holiday clubs are an excellent way to help develop your child’s physical skills, make friends and prepare for school.

2. Kit Sorted; Stress Avoided
Get organised and check your school’s PE uniform policy early, ahead of the crowd, and take advantage of the special offers before schools break up for the summer. In our experience, August stock quickly sells out with last minute shoppers, and we advise that pupils typically need:

• A plain t-shirt and shorts or joggers
• Velcro trainers or plimsolls (easy to get on and off)
• A named PE bag

Top tip: Make sure everything is clearly labelled. Investing in a personalised clothing stamp is the quickest solution to label all the school uniform and accessories.

3. Mastering the Art of Getting Dressed
Unanimously, primary school teachers tell us the greatest challenge of PE in reception, is simply getting the children dressed ready! Ensure your child can:

• Put on and take off their t-shirt and shoes
• Tidy their clothes into a bag
• Manage zips and buttons independently

Not only are these essential life skills but they save time and stress for the whole class!

Top Tip: Start a reward chart for independent dressing at home. We recommend a busy board to practice skills like buttonhole and zips while travelling; the perfect solution for both entertainment and education!

4. Talk Encouragingly About PE
PE is a polarising subject amongst parents. We find you fall into one of two camps, a bit like marmite, you either loved PE or hated it! Times have changed since the dingy changing rooms, regimented old-fashioned classes, and compulsory cross country. PE in schools is now positive and inclusive, with a wide range of sports to try- there is something for everyone to love. Watch how you speak; children pick up on negativity, so talk positively and avoid passing on any of your own negative experiences of sport in schools.

Prepare your child by talking about PE lessons at school and what to expect.

Children can feel unsure about new experiences, so it helps to talk about PE in a positive, relaxed way:

• “You’ll get to run around and play games with your friends!”
• “It’s just like playing in the park, but with your teachers.”

Children like to know what to expect, preparing them means there are much more likely to enjoy it.

Top Tip: Pop on a children’s sports video or school sports day clip and watch it together- chat about what’s happening and what your child might enjoy most. It’s a simple way to get them thinking positively about PE.

Starting school is a special chapter in your child’s life, and with a bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure you get them off to the best start. Your child will be participating in PE lessons for 12 years, so help prepare them for what’s to come, and help them embrace all of what is to offer on the curriculum.

From gross motor skills, teamwork, endurance and cardiovascular health, preparation for PE lessons is an investment into your child’s health, and by fostering a love for exercise, you help keep your child active for life.
If you’re looking for ways to keep your child entertained and active over the summer holiday, check out your local PTC Sports holiday clubs- we’d love to welcome your family.

2025 is the year for embracing inclusivity and working to our strengths, and that includes our children in sport.

In the UK, it’s estimated that approximately 15% of primary-aged children are neurodiverse. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term encompassing a range of neurological differences including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Sport and physical activity are vital for neurodiverse children and studies show improvements in not just physical health and well-being, but also enhanced social skills, greater regulation of emotions, greater cognitive functioning and better social skills and confidence.

With so many sports and activities on offer, how do you know which is best suited for your child? Here at PTC Sports, we have over twelve years of experience in working with children with a wide spectrum of diversity and additional needs. In this blog, we will share our tried and tested best sports and activities for neurodivergent children so they can thrive.

Swimming
Not only is swimming an essential and potentially lifesaving skill, but it also focuses on individual achievement. This removes the pressure of performing in team sports while still providing opportunities to socialise. Swimming is great for sensory regulation with its focus on breathing, which provides calming effects and aids sleep. The water’s buoyancy and resistance also provide consistent sensory feedback, which can help regulate sensory processing and reduce anxiety.

Jiu-Jitsu
All martial arts are valuable but Jiu-jitsu is the most suited for children with ADHD. Jiu-Jitsu focuses on discipline, respect and self-regulation- all skills which can help with impulse control and focus. Classes are dynamic and offer a constructive way to burn off excess energy, which can help reduce hyperactivity and restlessness. It requires attention to detail, strategic thinking and problem-solving- all of which help children practice staying present and engaged.

Football
The nation’s favourite sport helps children learn how to work as a team, cooperate and communicate, as well as teaches them how to read social cues in a structured and predictable routine. Football promotes cardiovascular health, and improves coordination, balance, and overall motor skills. All of these are important for physical and cognitive development, and can be especially useful for children with dyspraxia. This sport requires students to think on their feet and adapt to dynamic situations, enhancing cognitive flexibility and executive skills.

Dance
Dance can provide a creative outlet to release tension and excess energy, therefore it helps to reduce stress and sensory overload. It focuses on thinking about one step at a time and slowing the mind whilst improving body awareness, balance, flexibility and mindfulness. Dance can be enjoyed solo or as part of a group, providing flexible opportunities depending on the mood of the day. It can offer a non-structured approach that encourages kids to express emotions through movement and is adaptable to each child’s pace and style, fostering self-confidence and emotional release.

Rounders
You might be surprised that our beloved British rounders is on our list, but we’ve found that this classic game provides an inclusive environment, which is exceptionally beneficial for neurodiverse children due to its simple and clear rules. The instructions are easy to understand, and the simple actions promote motor skills, hand-eye coordination and balance through the actions of batting, catching, and running to bases. It’s a team game which offers social interaction, but comes with less pressure than other team sports, and helps children participate at their own pace.

Finding the right sport for your neurodiverse child(ren) can be a journey, and may be trial and error. Follow our advice and allow them to embrace their strengths and interests in an environment most suited to them. Do they need to burn excess energy? Manage impulse control? Get sensory feedback? Or calm the mind? There is a sport for every need! Keep trying until you find the right fit.
After-school clubs are a great place to start as they offer a range of sports to try. Here at PTC Sports, we’re dedicated to helping every child thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Together, let’s make 2025 the year of inclusivity and self-expression in sport come alive for all our children.