Gymnastics in schools

This article appears in the July 2009 edition of Sportshorts.

Gymnastics NSW has developed a new quality assurance program for clubs and providers working with schools.

Engaging external providers to deliver physical education and sport in schools can be a great way to enhance student experiences and develop teacher skills.

But the process can be tricky for both groups, with many responsibilities and requirements.

In late 2008, the Premier’s Council on Active Living (PCAL) released guidelines to assist. Guidelines for contracted external providers for physical education and school sport helps Principals with decision-making. And indications are, more and more schools are now using the document.

With this in mind, Gymnastics NSW has got on the front foot and set up its own School Endorsement Program, incorporating the requirements set out in the PCAL Guidelines and more.

“Gymnastics has a strong history of successful school programs,” says Felicity Colbourne, Business Development Officer for Gymnastics NSW.

“We currently have around 45,000 young people taking part in school-based gymnastics each year. It’s important for us to ensure these programs are of the highest standard, achieving good outcomes for participants, teachers and our sport as a whole.

“Our new School Endorsement Program is an accreditation scheme for all NSW Gymnastics affiliate clubs and providers, which guides clubs through a series of quality checks,” says Ms Colbourne.

Key checklist areas for the School Endorsement Program mirror those set out in the PCAL guidelines:

1. Legal and safety requirements; policies and procedures
2. Program delivery
3. Working with teachers
4. Parents and the community

“At a minimum, to become an endorsed provider, clubs must meet requirements in areas such as insurance, risk management and links to the syllabus. In addition they undergo practical assessments, conducted by Gymnastics NSW, in school settings.

“At the higher end of the scale, clubs will meet certain criteria in areas like member protection, health policies, behaviour management, complaints management and school feedback.”

The idea of a club accreditation process is not new to Gymnastics. This new School Endorsement Program works hand-in-hand with Gymnastics Australia’s national club quality assurance scheme Club 10.

Ms Colbourne says there are many benefits of the School Endorsement Program.

“Because our accreditation process is rigorous, we’re confident School Endorsed Providers will deliver the best possible experiences to schools.

“For schools, choosing an endorsed provider is a quality guarantee. It also takes some of the work out of decision making – we’ve made sure clubs address all the requirements set out in the PCAL Guidelines and more,” says Ms Colbourne.

The program also greatly helps the Gymnastics clubs. “Clubs are stepped through a process that ensures they can effectively work in schools, giving them the confidence to approach schools and added professionalism,” says Ms Colbourne.

The School Endorsement Program will soon be established throughout NSW, with gymnastics clubs/providers beginning to register and undergo practical assessments over the next few months.

By 2010, schools can be on the lookout for the official Gymnastics NSW School Endorsed Providers.

More information

• Premier’s Council on Active Living - www.pcal.nsw.gov.au
• Gymnastics NSW - www.gymnsw.org.au
  Contact: Felicity Colbourne
  Phone: (02) 8116 4105
  Email: felicity@gymnsw.org.au