England leads the way towards a moving world
In September 2023, the “Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England” was released, a document that aims to create a shared understanding of the concept of Physical Literacy and its role in health, education and sport. The document is the result of a process involving researchers, practitioners and policy makers from a wide range of sectors – from schools and public health to sport and leisure. Now, early adopters have very promisingly begun to use it as an innovation tool to create movement experiences that make a difference.
– We wanted to do and think differently to get children and young people moving more, so we started a process to create a consensus statement. We want to create a common language and consensus for movement where we can talk to stakeholders across sectors, which is crucial to being able to create positive movement for people of all ages, explained Charlie Crane, project manager at Sport England, when she appeared on our podcast The Movement Revolution earlier this year.
According to the consensus statement, Physical Literacy is “our relationship to movement and physical activity throughout life”. It is not just about what we do, but how we think, feel and connect with people and the environment when we move. This relationship is influenced by the quality of our movement experiences, which in turn is determined by the ability and willingness of movement providers to value and design the places, activities and programs we participate in.
“Hopeful and inspiring”
– We are increasingly losing touch with ourselves, each other and with nature. Fun, meaningful and valuable movement experiences help strengthen these relationships and therefore it is super important that we movement providers develop our leadership in that direction. It is so hopeful and inspiring to see how so many major players in England, with the help of Physical Literacy, are developing the ability to create and value qualitative movement experiences, says Tom Englén, director, Change the game.
Why was a common framework needed?
The term Physical Literacy is used internationally in an increasing number of countries, but with slightly different definitions. In England, there was a perceived need for a unified understanding that could guide strategies and interventions. The consensus statement is intended to serve as a basis for everyone who works to create activities and environments that develop both people’s physical and inner abilities – from teachers and coaches to policy makers.
Some key messages in the statement:
- Understand Physical Literacy – it is a lifelong process, not a skill you “achieve”. Can be both a method and a state.
- Why it is important – physical activity is not automatically good, but positive movement experiences can promote both health, well-being and performance.
- How our relationship with movement can be supported – by creating meaningful, valuable and fun experiences.
- A holistic view of the person – who does, feels, thinks and connects when we move.
An important step towards the vision
The long-term strategy for Sport England “Uniting the Movement” emphasises that all children and young people have the right to positive experiences of physical activity. The consensus statement is a first step towards putting this vision into practice. Charlie Crane, project manager at Sport England, highlights that the document will help sport create inclusive environments where people can develop a sustainable relationship with movement.
Next steps in England
Work is now underway in England to implement Physical Literacy in practice. This means that coaches, teachers and organisations need to adapt their efforts based on individuals’ motivation, needs and life situation. The aim is to reduce inequalities and promote lifelong participation – not just in sport, but in all forms of physical activity. All of this work is now being done under the name “Positive experience collective”.
They have now gathered actors, the earliest adopters, in two rounds to take part in a development programme called the “Patchwork programme”.
Actors have been divided into constellations according to their field of activity. At regular intervals, they share their experiences in “Listening circles” and in an “Annual gathering”. These events are often online and are open to everyone to participate in and can be viewed afterwards.
– It is very inspiring to see how movement enablers, thanks to their consensus work, strengthen their ability to create movement experiences, not least the ability to listen to children and young people to obtain a more valuable basis for the design of physical environments, says Grim Jernudd, trainer and method developer, Change the game.
Are you curious to know more about this exciting journey taking place in England, check out:
PL consensus statement in England >
Positive experience collective >
You are also welcome to contact us at Change the Game to get more info about physical literacy, about how it is applied in England and other parts of the world.
