PAL Fitness & Education CIC were delighted to welcome the trustees from the Oakland FD at the end of June, to see the Enhanced Learning Opportunity (ELO) programme in full view. PAL received funding from the Oakland Foundation to support its ELO Programme, in 2024. This initiative focuses on supporting young children, aged 4-12, in their social, emotional, and physical development, areas where they may otherwise fall behind within mainstream school settings.
In collaboration with Abbey Park School’s Federation in Pershore, the ELO Programme is being piloted due to high demand within the school’s first and middle schools. Both schools, located in the heart of Pershore, have higher-than-average numbers of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those eligible for Pupil Premium due to low income and disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, many children likely to receive SEND diagnoses soon add further strain to the school’s resources.
The programme, co-designed with the Senior Leadership Team of Abbey Park Schools Federation, ensures a child-centred approach, targeting specific outcomes for each child while also addressing individual needs. For the spring and summer terms, 64 pupils were selected to participate in the programme, representing a diverse range of ages, skills, and complex needs. These children often face various disadvantages, including low-income backgrounds, SEND, and challenging home environments.
The weekly delivery format includes four small groups of eight children, each attending sessions at different times. These sessions are held at Evesham United Football Club, utilising its indoor facilities, a Learn to Ride arena, and a 1KM cycling track at the Evesham Velo Park. PAL staff transport the children using the school minibus, providing them with access to a specialised fleet of adapted bikes and trikes. This setup ensures that children, regardless of their cycling experience or physical ability, can participate in a safe and supportive environment.
PAL would like to thank the Oakland Foundation, for their support, funding, and time where the trustees visited the project. If you know a school who may benefit from this programme, please contact Sue at pal.fitness@outlook.com
