Who is our guest? Sajid Akram brings a wealth of experience and passion to his roles at Chandos Primary School. With eight years of teaching under his belt and 18 months as the assistant PE lead, Sajid's dedication to enhancing the physical education landscape is evident. His journey began as a local to the school, and despite moving further away, …

Who is our guest? Stephen Clarke has been a school governor for 15 years in the Staffordshire three-tier school system, firstly at Primary School, then Middle School and finally High School. He then stepped up to the challenge of being Chair of Governors back at the Middle School in 2019 and shortly after helping to guide the school with the Headte…

Who’s our guest? Luke Brown launched the Spiral Free Run CIC in Late 2016 during his time studying at university and has been working multiple jobs simultaneously since. In April 2021 he took the leap of faith to turn the company into a CIC (Community Interest Club) and run full-time. ​ He has been training Parkour for 10 years now. Parkour was onl…

Who is our guest? Lee Davis is now Head of Finance at BDMAT. Before this, Lee was a School Finance Partner at BDMAT and had acted as the Chief Finance and Operations Officer for a short time. Lee also worked within the trust at St Clement’s Church of England Academy as a School Business Manager before taking up the post as a School Finance Partner …

Welcome to the very first episode of The PE Umbrella Archives. This mini-series will run as a thread through the main PE Umbrella podcast as a means to re-visit classic episodes of the show that have truly stood the test of time. As the show approaches its' 9th Birthday, I have reflected on the many incredible episodes from years gone by and just h…

With me under the umbrella this week is assistant headteacher and author of the book ‘Making every PE lesson count’, James Crane. In this episode we find out exactly how to do just that, make every PE lesson count! So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the PE umbrella.Oleh Ryan Ellis

With me under the umbrella this week is national PE subject advisor for PE New Zealand (PENZ), Marisa McKay. Another wonderful conversation on ALL things primary PE awaits, so get that note pad and pen ready.Oleh Ryan Ellis

With me under the umbrella this week is the primary PE lead at British school Jakarta, Jo Heaume. In this conversation we learn about Jo's journey to teaching internationally and exactly what makes PE tick in her school. Ideas, tips and thoughts to mull over are all here in this episode, so what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under t…

Who’s our guest? Will Roberts is the Chief Operating Officer of the national children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust and led the process for the creation of their new strategy Inspiring Changemakers, Building Belonging which sets significant ambitions to 2035 and was launched in May 2022. Having joined the Youth Sport Trust in 2007 to run the then…

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by PE mentor and coach for primary PE teachers who teach or want to teach in an international school, Gemma Craker. We talk through Gemma's own PE story and unpick her perspectives on the subject that we all love. From lesson advice to practical tips, it's all here, so what are you waiting for…

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by PE Lead Shauna Pemberton. As an experienced primary teacher leading the subject, Shauna is making a real difference to the lives of the pupils in her school community, putting PE and physical activity at the heart of change. She shares with us her relationship with the subject before offerin…

Who are our guests? Dr Andy Daly-Smith is a Reader in Children’s Physical Activity and Health at the University of Bradford (UK). Within Bradford, he co-leads the Centre for Applied Education Research and research on the JUMP project; the UK’s first whole-systems approach to physical activity for children and young people. Andy’s research focuses o…

This week on the PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by PE and swim lead, Sam Horton. As somebody living and breathing leading the subject on a day-to-day basis, Sam is somebody who is in the know and it was fascinating to hear his perspective on the subject. In this episode you can expect some great nuggets of information that you can take away and tr…

Who’s our guest? Siobhán first found wheelchair basketball in 2010 following a playground to podium event which introduced her to the sport. As a junior, she first played for CWBA where she achieved great success at the School Games and Junior Championships. Alongside her junior game, she also competed with the clubs National League and Women’s Lea…

Joining me on The PE Umbrella podcast this week is the Head of PE at the Alice Smith school Kuala Lumpur and the chair of FOBISIA PE and sport executive committee, Anna Sheppard. PE perspectives, insights and advice are just some of what Anna shares, so what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by senior lecturer in sport, PE and development at the University of East London, Mo Jafar. I can't wait for you to hear this one, it was a truly fascinating and organic conversation with Mo about PE and the current implications across the landscape. So what are you waiting for? Come on over a…

With me under the umbrella this week is PE teacher at Capital Tokyo international school Hugo Pires. Lots of people have asked for Hugo to join me under the umbrella and I am delighted that we were finally able to make it happen. This was an insightful conversation into Hugo's perspectives on PE and how he has brought Parkour to his students in Jap…

Who’s our guest? Sam Horton is a passionate PE teacher who believes strongly in physical education, sport, and physical activity as essential contributors to children's love for healthy living and a tool to end physical inactivity. Sam possesses six years of experience at Wollescote Primary School and prior experience in sports coaching. He is part…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by the deputy headteacher at the British International School in Riyadh and co-host of the infinite learners podcast, Lewis Keens. We discuss all things PE and in particular the importance of moving the 'right' way and staying true to our roots of movement as the unique USP of Physical educatio…

With me under the umbrella this week is another one of the most high-profile guests I have ever had on the show. He is the other half of the Ellis clan, Jiu Jitsu savage, master doodler, and all-round kind-hearted soul, my son, Oliver. In this episode I learn about how he views PE as he approaches his final few months of primary school and summaris…

Taking the plunge: The evolution of primary school swimming Who’s our guest? Kaylë has been a swimming teacher for 23 years and specialises in baby and pre-school swimming. With 19 years of tutoring experience, she is passionate about encouraging people to learn to swim and be safe in water. She has spoken internationally about the importance of le…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I invited my daughter to talk with me about Primary School PE. This brief chat provides an insight into the inner workings of Penelopes mind when it comes to the subject of PE and how she perceives it. As with everything, context is key. Penelope has a dad who lives and breathes primary PE. I afford her th…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by professor of Physical Education and Pedagogy at Loughborough University, Dr Ash Casey. In this conversation, we learn how Ash formed his relationships and perceptions around Physical Education and how these have been challenged and evolved through the years. We also learn some insights into…

This week on The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by former secondary PE teacher, PE lead and author of the hugely successful book 'Wanna teach PE?' Ben Holden. In this episode I was keen to explore the implications for secondary trained practitioners and their place in the primary PE landscape, and ultimately the views held on what primary PE is an…

Who’s our guest? Natalie Weir is an ardent advocate for physical education and bodily literacy. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Natalie has worked in national sporting bodies, including a twelve-year stint at British Orienteering in positions ranging from sport development to being on the senior leadership team. She is also the Chief…

Joining me under the umbrella this week is professor at the University of Kentucky Aaron Beighle for his third appearance on the show. In this episode we talk about aspirations for PE and the curriculum in the UK and America as well as his take on concept-based learning, sports and all the other show favourite questions. This is an episode that you…

In this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by former Primary school teacher, PE lead and now PE consultant for Beyond the Physical, Dan Wilson. I have known Dan for a number of years right back since the beginning of my own teaching career and when it comes to primary PE, he is the real deal. Having seen him at work and teaching childre…

On this week's episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by the author of 'Inclusive PE for SEND children', occupational therapist and SEND parent, Faith Newton. During this episode, inclusion is the focus of our discussions as we explore strategies that cater to all learners, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical. Faith shares with us practi…

Who is our guest? On our new season of PE Huddle Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Glenmead Primary School's class teacher and PE Lead, Hannah Davis. Hannah has been teaching for 4 years and has been in the PE Lead position for 3 years, having shadowed and supported the Deputy Head with PE previously. Her background includes obtaining a degre…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast, I am joined by the assistant deputy CEO of the Association for Physical Education (AfPE) Dr Vanessa King. Join us for a conversation on ALL things Primary PE, from actionable tips to deeper thinking scenarios, it's all here. So what are you waiting for? Come on over and join us under the umbrella.…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by PE lecturer at Plymouth Marjon University and host of The PE Insights Podcast, Nathan Walker. In this episode we go deep into ALL things primary PE as Nathan shares all with us. From theory, practice and his own practical PE insights, it's all here. So what are you waiting for? Come and join…

On The PE Umbrella podcast this week, I am joined by qualified primary school teacher, Sam Gregory. Sam brings a unique and fresh perspective to the primary PE landscape having only recently qualified as a teacher. He has a deep passion for physical education and is pursuing some interesting work in this space for his PhD studies at Leeds Beckett U…

This week I am joined under the umbrella by Senior Lecturer at Birmingham Newman University and author of the SHARP principles Dr Emma Powell. During this episode we discuss, check and challenge all things primary PE, sharing actionable advice for you to think about, take away and implement in your own setting. So what are you waiting for? Come on …

Joining me under the umbrella this week is head of PE, author of 'Is PE in crisis?' and co-author of the Primary Concept Curriculum, Lee Sullivan. In this episode we unpick whether PE is in crisis and delve into a myriad of primary PE-related topics. So what are you waiting for? Come and join us under the umbrella.…

With me under the umbrella this week is educator, researcher and practitioner, specialising in physical development and movement in the Early Years, Dr Lala Manners. Come and join us for a rich conversation on the importance of early movement opportunities and be sure to grab that notepad!Oleh Ryan Ellis

This week I am joined on The PE Umbrella podcast by PE specialist, Ben Shields. Ben has worked in the space for many years now and this has seen him teaching all over the world before now settling down in Australia. He has many tips, tricks and stories to share that will help you in your teaching of primary PE and I can'tt wait for you to listen. S…

Joining me under the umbrella this week is senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University and now repeat guest of the show, Sarah Williams. On her first outing, Sarah gave us some of the shows most talked-about moments to date and in this episode, there's plenty more of those. So grab your note pad and pen, and come and join us for a conversation a…

This week on The PE Umbrella Podcast I am joined by Adrian Bethune to talk about all things Primary PE, Physical Activity and Wellbeing. It was a pleasure speaking with Adrian as he opened up about his own struggles and then shared strategies he has successfully used in his own schools to put pupils wellbeing at the heart of what he did. So what ar…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by PE teacher of 20 years, Head of student opportunities at International school in Kindom of Saudi Arabia and author of the book Happiness factories – a holistic approach to PE, Phil Mathe. So what are you waiting for? Grab that note pad and come and join us under the PE Umbrella.…

On this episode of The PE Umbrella podcast I am joined by Leeds Beckett professor of PE, David Morley and professor of athletic development at the school of sport, Kevin Till. In this episode we have an in-depth conversation around physical literacy, the new consensus statement, the launch of the centre for child and adolescent physical literacy at…

Welcome back to The PE Umbrella podcast, your CPD on the go for ALL things Primary PE. This week I am joined by lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, Dr Tom Van Rossum. In this episode we talk about Early movement and Fundamental Movement skills. Are they important? Are children achieving a good level? What does the current landscape look like? All…

Welcome to episode 220 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by primary school teacher and PE lead Mr Peter Harding. On this episode we talk about life as a PE lead and class teacher, diving into his worst ever lesson, key ingredients for successful PE and class management tips. So what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with …

Welcome to episode 219 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined for a second time by the inspiring Mike Kuczala. In this episode we take a look into what it takes to become a 'peak performing' teacher. We dive into 'living the physical life' breath work, gratitude and much more, so what are you waiting for? Jump under the umbrella with us …

Welcome to episode 218 of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined for a second time on the show by Mark Carter. Mark was first a guest in episode 184 so if you haven't listened to that yet, be sure to delve back into the archives! In this episode, we take a look at Mark's new book 'A year of Primary PE' and start to unpick the principles and…

Welcome to episode 217 and the return of The PE Umbrella Podcast! This week I am joined by children's book author and leadership and education consultant Dr Beth Brown. In this episode we take a deep dive into character education, life skills and how to best nurture them in our own children and pupils. During this chat, we talk about Beth's book, T…

The series 3 finale of The Primary PE Huddle is here and what a series it’s been! For this final episode, we’re taking a look back over the series to bring you the very best insights, advice and words of wisdom. Who’s joined us on the podcast this series? Series 3 has seen us welcome a whole host of experts from the field of primary education: Epis…

This week on the podcast we’re joined by class teacher and PE Coordinator Louisa Mulvey. Who is Louisa Mulvey? Louisa is a qualified teacher based in Hampshire. Louisa has been working in primary schools since 2014 where her career began on the sunny, leafy side of Wimbledon Village. Louisa spent three years teaching PE exclusively before qualifyin…

This week on the podcast we welcome United Learning’s Head of Sport Shaun Dowling. Who is Shaun Dowling? Shaun is Head of Sport at United Learning, a national group of primary, secondary and all-through schools across the state and independent sectors. As Head of Sport, Shaun supports Heads of PE and Directors of Sport in further improving the qual…

In the words of a Key Stage 2 pupil, this week’s podcast guest “is a genius”. For episode 3 of The Primary PE Huddle, we welcome Tagtiv8 founder Bryn Llewellyn. Who is Bryn Llewellyn? Bryn worked in multiple UK schools for over 20 years as a teacher and school leader. In 2012, Bryn founded Tagtiv8. His pioneering approach to Physically Active Learn…

This week on the podcast we’re joined by primary school PE lead John Haycock. Who is John Haycock? John has been a teacher at Chilcote primary school for 11 years, both as PE and class teacher. Joining the school with a view to take over PE, John completed his NQT and became PE lead in his second year. 10 years on, John’s passion for sport and phys…