Out of school hours learning (OSHL)
Provision of physical activity through out of school hours learning (OSHL) is essential in ensuring that children and young people lead physically active lives.
It can be provided before school, as well as at lunchtimes and after school: for example, breakfast clubs can provide opportunities for physical activity.
Key benefits
OSHL is of benefit to schools and pupils because it can:
- give young people the opportunities they need to practise the skills that they have already learned in physical education (PE)
- enable young people to take part in a wider choice of activities, with a different peer group
- contribute to the whole-school approach and partnership working of health promoting schools
- help schools to deliver key messages concerning health and well-being.
Funding
Over the last few years, a large amount of funding has been provided by the Big Lottery Fund to provide after-school opportunities in sport, dance and physical activity. These are particularly aimed at:
- girls and young women
- ethnic minorities
- those are have special needs
- those who live in areas of social deprivation.
Partnerships
OSHL can be set up by staff within the school or by the Active Schools coordinator. Strong partnerships with local sports clubs make after-school sessions possible. However, it is essential that any external body delivering OSHL for the school has a clear understanding of the ethos of the school and the aim of the activity. OSHL is about developing existing knowledge and delivering learning outcomes in a different environment.
Useful links
sportscotland
The national agency dedicated to promoting sporting opportunities at all levels throughout the country.
ContinYou
A charity that works to link education and lifelong learning with health and to regenerate communities; its work includes breakfast clubs, out of school hours learning and health improvement.
