Primary school PE ideas

Ideas for Primary School PE – From Early Years to Key Stage 2
Delivering engaging, inclusive and curriculum-aligned PE begins in the Early Years and builds all the way through primary school. This guide offers practical ideas and inspiration for EYFS, KS1 and KS2 physical education, helping schools plan exciting PE programmes and make the most of their PE and Sport Premium funding.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) PE Ideas
Physical activity in the Early Years focuses on developing gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance and confidence through play-based movement.
Physical Activity Adventure Pack (PAAP)
A fantastic resource for nurseries and reception classes, the Physical Activity Adventure Pack is designed to:
Align with EYFS Statutory Framework and Development Matters guidance
Support physical literacy and motor skill development
Provide structured, themed activity cards that make PE fun and inclusive
Super Star Sport has purchased this pack for our entire network, meaning every area we work in can deliver these adventure-based sessions in nurseries and early years settings.

🔗 View the Physical Activity Adventure Pack here

Other EYFS PE Ideas:
Movement stories (e.g., “Going on a Bear Hunt” active storytelling)
Balance circuits with soft play, cones and beams
Parachute games for teamwork and coordination
Animal movement challenges (jump like a frog, crawl like a bear)

Super Star Sport Early Years PE Curriculum

Alongside the Physical Activity Adventure Pack, Super Star Sport has developed its own Early Years curriculum designed specifically for children aged 2–5. This programme introduces six core sports — mini football, gymnastics, basketball, tennis, athletics and rugby — delivered in a fun, age-appropriate way that focuses on fundamental movement skills, coordination and confidence.

Each session is designed to meet EYFS learning goals, blending structured play with early skill development so children build a strong foundation for future PE in Key Stage 1 and beyond. The curriculum encourages exploration, teamwork and enjoyment while ensuring children stay fit, active, healthy and smiling.

Please see an example of our 6 week early years plans here

Key Stage 1 PE Ideas (Years 1–2)
PE in Key Stage 1 is where children start to build on their Early Years physical foundations and begin to explore structured games, basic tactics and teamwork. At this stage, it’s vital to make PE lessons fun, inclusive and high-energy so that children fall in love with being active, setting them up for lifelong healthy habits.

PE Plans and Online Resources
Many schools use online PE plans to help structure lessons. These can support teachers and coaches with ideas that link directly to the Primary PE National Curriculum while providing flexibility to adapt activities for different abilities.

Some great online plans are Get Set 4 PE, The PE Hub and Complete PE

Super Star Sport supports schools with ready-made plans and structured sessions that are:

– Curriculum-aligned to ensure coverage of fundamental movement skills and early game play
– Easy to follow for both class teachers and specialist coaches
– Designed to maximise active learning time, minimising queues and keeping every child moving

Making PE Fun, Positive and Enthusiastic
Our core values — fun, positivity, enthusiasm and safety — are central to every session. Children learn best when they’re having fun, and PE should be a highlight of the week. By using creative themes, exciting equipment and energetic coaching, lessons capture children’s attention and help them see physical activity as something enjoyable rather than a chore.

Celebrating Success to Boost Participation
– Simple recognition strategies can dramatically improve engagement:
– Star of the Week awards to celebrate effort and progress
– Certificates or medals for teamwork, resilience or improvement
– Positive praise throughout sessions to build confidence
These small incentives encourage children to take part, try new things and support their peers.

Watch a video of one of our Super Coaches giving our a certificate here!

Maximising Activity Time
In Key Stage 1, children benefit most from continuous movement and high participation. Avoid long periods of explanation or waiting in lines, keep transitions short and activities simple so children are active for the majority of the session.
– Use small-sided games to involve everyone
– Create stations or circuits to reduce queues
– Keep instructions clear and concise, focusing on “learning by doing”
This approach not only improves physical skills but also supports focus, behaviour and enjoyment.

Here is a video of one of our Super Coaches at the end of a lesson!

Key Stage 2 PE Ideas (Years 3–6)
By Key Stage 2, pupils are ready to take their fundamental movement skills and apply them to more complex sports and games. This is the stage where schools can introduce tactics, competition and personal challenge, while also reinforcing the importance of teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship.

Curriculum Mapping with Real-World Sport
A powerful way to engage KS2 pupils is to plan your PE curriculum map around current sporting events and seasonal themes. For example:
Tennis during Wimbledon – Capitalise on the buzz when it’s on TV to make lessons relevant and exciting.
Athletics leading up to the Olympics – Link sports day preparation to global competitions.
Football during major tournaments – Euros or World Cup periods are perfect for themed lessons.
Gymnastics in winter months – Maximise indoor space during colder weather to maintain high-quality activity.

This approach keeps PE fresh, inspiring and linked to the wider sporting world, helping children connect classroom learning with what they see at home.

Flexible Coaching Styles in KS2
At this stage, pupils are more independent and can benefit from varied coaching interventions rather than full-group instruction all the time. Effective strategies include:
Small group coaching – Focused teaching for skill refinement
Fly-by coaching – Short, in-the-moment feedback without stopping the activity
Peer-led coaching – Encouraging pupils to observe and support each other
Rotational stations – Allowing continuous activity with teacher input at each station
This ensures maximum activity time, keeps sessions dynamic, and empowers children to take responsibility for their own progress.

See an example of these coaching styles in action here .

Embedding School Values in KS2 PE
KS2 PE is the perfect place to reinforce school and Super Star Sport’s core values: fun, positivity, enthusiasm and safety. Lessons should inspire pupils to push themselves, celebrate progress and learn how physical activity contributes to health, wellbeing and lifelong habits.

Support for Primary School PE, PPA Cover and Sports Provision
Delivering outstanding PE and sport in primary schools takes more than just good lesson ideas — it requires careful planning, skilled delivery and a focus on long-term impact. From Early Years through to Key Stage 2, every stage of a child’s school journey is an opportunity to develop confidence, fitness and a love for physical activity.

At Super Star Sport, we provide specialist support for schools across the UK, including:
– Curriculum PE planning and delivery
– Reliable PPA cover with qualified, DBS-checked coaches
– Lunchtime and after-school clubs to increase daily activity levels
– PE and Sport Premium guidance to help schools maximise their funding
– Enrichment days and events linked to national curriculum outcomes and whole-school priorities

Are you a Headteacher looking for ideas to use your PE and Sport Premium? Visit our Headteachers’ Super Hub.

We work closely with headteachers and PE leads to create programmes that are fun, engaging, safe and Ofsted-ready, ensuring every child can be fit, active, healthy and smiling.

Contact us today to arrange a free consultation or book a taster session, and see how Super Star Sport can support your school’s PE and sport provision.