What are the benefits of wearing PE kit to school?

What are the benefits of wearing PE kit to school?

During the height of COVID-19, some schools allowed children to arrive at school dressed in their PE kit on PE days. The benefits have transcended beyond the pandemic, and some schools are keeping this change indefinitely.

If you are considering making this change in your school, here are some of the benefits of allowing children to wear PE kits to school.

Gain lost teaching time

PE is an essential part of a child’s education. Not only does it highlight the importance of physical health, but it teaches teamwork, leadership skills, and supports mental health. But increasingly, we are seeing the time spent on PE reducing. When pupils’ wear their PE kit to school, it maximises the time spent in the lesson as there is no need to allocate time for changing. Coming to school dressed for PE will have a real impact on learning catch-up.

They won’t forget their kit

As a teacher, you won’t be a stranger to the words “I forgot my PE Kit”. It usually results in searching through the spare kit or children not taking part at all and missing out on vital PE time. If they are allowed to wear their PE kit to school on PE days, they won’t forget it because they will already be wearing it.

Protection from Covid-19

Every school has made changes to keep everyone safe from COVID-19 and wearing a PE kit to school is one many have chosen to apply. Schools Week reported that St Thomas More RC Primary in Manchester found that adopting this policy meant no PE bags were being stored, there was more space available, and items were washed weekly. It also helps reduce the spread of COVID in many other ways:

• PE kit can be washed after each lesson ensuring it is clean, hygienic, and ready for the next lesson
• The kit is not left in the bag and forgotten about
• They do not need to bring their kit bag to school
• It reduces the time that children are together getting changed in close quarters.

It raises the profile of PE in schools

Wearing a PE to school is also great for PE as a subject. It raises the profile of PE and keeps it at the forefront of learning. It shows that PE is valued in your school and highlights how important PE is for a healthy active lifestyle. Many schools offer a standardised PE uniform that ensures everyone wears a kit that is safe, fit for purpose, and equal.

Benefits for everyone

This policy will also be valuable for children who feel uncomfortable getting changed in front of others. This can be for a variety of reasons, but not having to be in that situation can only be beneficial for them. It will also support older children where single-sex changing facilities are not available.

And finally… 

Let’s be completely honest, wearing something different to school is exciting! When children can wear something different to school other than traditional uniforms, it creates a positive energy that lasts throughout the day and translates to the rest of their lessons.

Has your school changed their PE kit policy because of the pandemic? Get in touch to let us know, we would love to hear your thoughts.