Children & Young People is all about helping every child and young person in Blackpool enjoy the fun and benefits of moving more each day. By supporting them to see physical activity as a natural part of learning, play, and feeling good, we’re creating positive spaces where they can grow and thrive physically, mentally, and socially.
This programme is designed to empower teachers to lead change from within. By focusing on the vital role of middle leaders, the programme helps schools build the knowledge, confidence, and capacity to make physical activity a natural part of everyday school life.
Over the course of the programme, 40 middle leaders from schools across Blackpool will take part in professional development, mentoring, and peer learning — building the skills to influence colleagues, engage pupils, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Training & Development — interactive sessions focused on leadership, whole-school approaches, and behaviour change.
Mentoring & Networking — ongoing support from Move Together Blackpool and opportunities to share best practice.
School-Led Action — working with headteachers, staff and pupils to embed movement across the curriculum and school day.
When physical activity becomes part of a school’s culture, everyone benefits. Children are happier, staff are more energised, and schools become places that truly support wellbeing and learning.
We’re here to make being active easy, fun, and part of everyday life. This is your chance to inspire colleagues, drive change, and embed a whole-school physical activity culture that benefits every child.
Joining the programme means becoming part of a growing network of passionate educators who believe movement can transform learning. We’re on a mission to help schools re-imagine how physical activity is woven into the school day – not just in PE lessons, but everywhere. By working closely with middle leaders, we will identify and equip school staff to make small changes that make a big difference
We’re supporting middle leaders across Blackpool schools to champion movement in their classrooms and staff teams. Through training, mentoring, and shared learning, they gain the confidence and tools to inspire their colleagues and make activity part of everyday school life.
Active learning helps children focus better, feel happier, and build lifelong healthy habits. From active lessons to playtime initiatives, we’re working with schools to create more opportunities for every child to move more — every day.
Real change happens when activity becomes part of a school’s DNA. We help schools assess, review, and embed sustainable practices so movement isn’t just an add-on — it’s a natural, celebrated part of the school environment.
To better understand the barriers teenage girls and young women face when it comes to being active, Move Together Blackpool worked with local partners who already have strong relationships with young people. Their insights have helped shape how we design more inclusive and supportive opportunities within schools and communities.
Early findings highlight several interlinked barriers that can hold girls back from moving more:
Body image and confidence — feeling self-conscious or judged when taking part in physical activity.
Safety concerns — worries about being safe travelling to, or taking part in, activities.
Communication gaps — not knowing what’s available or feeling activities aren’t designed with them in mind.
Traditional school structures — limited time, lack of variety, and rigid timetables that don’t always support movement.
By listening to these experiences, we’re developing programmes that prioritise choice, confidence, and belonging — so every girl feels supported to find joy in moving, in her own way.
Through Move Together Blackpool’s partnership with Gallup’s CliftonStrengths®, middle leaders will discover how a strengths-based approach can unlock potential, boost collaboration, and create more positive, connected learning environments.
CliftonStrengths® helps middle leaders identify their unique talents and understand how to use them effectively every day. By focusing on what comes naturally, teachers and leaders can increase energy, confidence, and motivation — while inspiring those around them to do the same.
When teams understand and appreciate each other’s strengths, they communicate better, work more efficiently, and feel more valued. This shared understanding fosters trust, teamwork, and a culture where everyone — staff and pupils alike — can thrive.
The Active Schools approach is already creating ripples of positive change across Blackpool. Teachers are rethinking how movement fits into learning, pupils are more engaged and energised, and schools are building cultures that prioritise wellbeing and connection.
Middle leaders who have taken part in early development sessions are championing active classrooms, encouraging colleagues to weave movement into lessons, and influencing school-wide approaches to wellbeing.
Schools involved in the pilot stages are seeing stronger collaboration between staff, increased enthusiasm among pupils, and a shared sense of pride in being part of something bigger — helping Blackpool’s children and young people move more, every day.
Each success story adds to a growing movement of schools supporting healthier, happier learners. As the first full cohort begins in February 2026, we’re excited to see how these stories continue to evolve and inspire others to join in.
Creating Active Schools is about more than just adding movement to the school day — it’s about transforming the way children learn, play, and grow. By getting involved, you’ll join a community of educators, leaders, and partners committed to building happier, healthier school environments across our town. Whether you’re a teacher looking to inspire your pupils, a headteacher wanting to drive cultural change, or part of an organisation that supports schools, your contribution can make a real difference. Together, we can make movement part of every child’s school experience.
