Delivering sport and physical activity for children and young people — YMCA Awards End-Point Assessment Physical Education Revision

    This topic covers delivering sport and physical activity sessions for children and young people, including preparation, motivation, and reflection. Learner

    Topic Synopsis

    This topic covers delivering sport and physical activity sessions for children and young people, including preparation, motivation, and reflection. Learners will develop skills to engage and support participants.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Delivering sport and physical activity for children and young people

    YMCA AWARDS
    vocational

    This topic covers delivering sport and physical activity sessions for children and young people, including preparation, motivation, and reflection. Learners will develop skills to engage and support participants.

    1
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    YMCA Level 2 Award in Engaging Children and Young People in Sport and Physical Activity

    Topic Overview

    The YMCA Level 2 Award in Engaging Children and Young People in Sport and Physical Activity is a vocational qualification designed for individuals who want to work with children and young people in sport, physical activity, or play settings. It covers the essential knowledge and skills needed to plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging sessions that promote lifelong participation in physical activity. The award focuses on understanding child development, creating inclusive environments, and using effective communication to motivate young participants.

    This qualification is part of the YMCA Awards suite of occupational qualifications and is widely recognised in the UK leisure, sport, and education sectors. It is ideal for those starting a career as a sports coach, activity leader, or teaching assistant in primary or secondary schools. The content aligns with national frameworks such as the Children and Young People's Workforce and the Sport and Physical Activity Occupational Standards, ensuring learners gain practical, industry-relevant skills.

    Mastering this award is crucial because it equips you with the tools to positively influence children's physical and mental wellbeing. By understanding how to engage different age groups, manage behaviour, and adapt activities, you can help combat sedentary lifestyles and foster a love for sport. The qualification also provides a stepping stone to further study, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting the Delivery of Physical Education and School Sport.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Child development stages: Understand the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive milestones for ages 5–16, and how they affect participation in sport and physical activity.
    • →Inclusive practice: Adapt activities to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities, different cultural backgrounds, or varying abilities, using the STEP principle (Space, Task, Equipment, People).
    • →Engagement strategies: Use motivational techniques such as positive reinforcement, choice, and varied activities to maintain interest and encourage lifelong participation.
    • →Health and safety: Conduct risk assessments, ensure appropriate supervision ratios, and follow safeguarding procedures to create a safe environment.
    • →Communication skills: Employ active listening, clear instructions, and non-verbal cues to build rapport and manage behaviour effectively.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • 1. Understand the principles of delivering sport and physical activity to children and young people2. Understand the principles of motivating children and young people to adhere to sport and physical activity3. Be able to prepare children and young people for sport and physical activity4. Be able to deliver sport and physical activity to children and young people5. Be able to support children and young people to take part in sport and physical activity6. Be able to bring a sport and physical activity session to an end7. Be able to reflect on providing sport and physical activity for children and young people

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Understand principles of delivering sessions to children.
    • Motivate children to participate and adhere to activity.
    • Prepare and deliver safe, inclusive sessions.
    • Reflect on own practice to improve future sessions.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Use games to make sessions fun.
    • 💡Ensure activities are age-appropriate.
    • 💡Always have a contingency plan for bad weather.
    • 💡When answering questions on planning sessions, always link your activities to specific learning outcomes and age-appropriate development stages. For example, explain how a game of tag improves cardiovascular endurance for 7-year-olds.
    • 💡Use real-life examples from your own experience or case studies to demonstrate understanding of inclusive practice. Mention how you would adapt a football drill for a child with a visual impairment using a ball with a bell.
    • 💡In written assessments, define key terms like 'engagement' and 'inclusion' before applying them. This shows the examiner you have a solid grasp of the concepts, not just generic knowledge.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Using adult-focused coaching methods.
    • Ignoring individual needs and abilities.
    • Not adapting activities for different age groups.
    • Misconception: 'Engaging children means just making activities fun.' Correction: While fun is important, engagement also requires structure, clear learning outcomes, and activities that challenge children appropriately to develop skills and confidence.
    • Misconception: 'All children of the same age can do the same activity.' Correction: Children develop at different rates; activities must be differentiated based on individual needs, not just age. Use the STEP principle to adapt tasks.
    • Misconception: 'Safeguarding is only about preventing abuse.' Correction: Safeguarding also includes promoting welfare, preventing accidents, and ensuring emotional safety, such as avoiding peer pressure or bullying during activities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of child development (e.g., from GCSE PE or personal experience working with children).
    • •Familiarity with health and safety principles in sport (e.g., from a Level 1 qualification or coaching experience).
    • •Good communication skills, as the award involves interacting with children and colleagues.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • 1. Understand the principles of delivering sport and physical activity to children and young people2. Understand the principles of motivating children and young people to adhere to sport and physical activity3. Be able to prepare children and young people for sport and physical activity4. Be able to deliver sport and physical activity to children and young people5. Be able to support children and young people to take part in sport and physical activity6. Be able to bring a sport and physical activity session to an end7. Be able to reflect on providing sport and physical activity for children and young people

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