afPE Physical Education Matters Article: Movement, Wellbeing and Belonging in Primary Schools

We're delighted that the first of three articles in a new series has been published in the Spring 2026 edition of the afPE Physical Education Matters journal.

This first article explores how physical education, movement and play can support wellbeing, inclusion and enrichment in primary schools.

Across many schools since the pandemic, colleagues have been navigating increased anxiety, emotional dysregulation and reduced confidence among children.

Increasingly, educators are recognising that movement-rich environments can help children feel safe, connected and ready to learn.

The article introduces the RISE Up framework and shares learning from three inspiring primary school case studies:

• St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School (Liverpool) – embedding a whole-school language around wellbeing through PE and movement

• Woodland View Junior School (Norfolk) – supporting emotional readiness for transition to secondary school

• Greenside Primary School (Tameside) – using before-school active play to strengthen belonging and engagement

Huge thanks to Carol Hawman and the team at the Association for Physical Education (afPE) for the opportunity to contribute to this important publication.

Read the Full Article

Click below to read the full article from the afPE Physical Education Matters journal.

PEM SPRING26 p34-39 FV Primary.pdf

Download PDF • 3.24MB

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Thank You

Have a brilliant week, a fantastic Easter holiday, and thank you for everything you do for your young people.

Neil Moggan and the Future Action team 

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