Maypole dancing is a wonderful tradition which is now missing from many primary schools. It is a creative and fun form of exercise which can easily be adapted to suit need, ability and fitness levels. It involves team work and has strong links to other key areas of learning such as history, communication and problem solving.

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My work in schools fits in with the key indicators for PE and sport premium funding in the following ways:

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Engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity:

Maypole dancing offers fun, engaging physical activity. Children are excited by the patterns that they can create whilst getting exercise. Children who are reluctant to participate in some sports will engage in maypole dancing as it is collaborative and inclusive. 

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The profile of PE and sport is raised across the school as a tool for whole school improvement:

Being such a visual form of PE, maypole dancing is something that children are always keen to try out. It lends itself wonderfully to displays at school and local events to raise the profile in the community. Maypole dancing's links to other key areas of learning helps to integrate PE into other curriculum areas and can improve engagement in those too.

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Increased confidence, knowledge and skills of staff in teaching PE and sport:

Adults love trying out maypole dancing too! Staff training in how to teach maypole dancing is a great team building experience for staff and many teachers are keen to get the children around the maypole as soon as possible after they have attended training. My teacher training sessions can be run in school staff meetings for whole school staff or in clusters for representatives from schools to attend. 

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Broader experience of a range of sports and activities offered to all pupils:

Maypole dancing is now a rare and unusual form of physical activity that many current pupils have not seen. By reintroducing it to schools a broader experience is offered to pupils. 

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I am a qualified teacher with 20 years experience. I have a wide range of workshop options on offer which include whole day workshops where all the children in school can have a taster session, regular sessions in schools to work with a class / group for PE lessons or to work on a performance and teacher training sessions so that you can make maypole dancing part of your regular PE curriculum.