Primary PE Lead: In Conversation
A practical Primary PE learning resource — made by teachers, for teachers.
Each series features one guest, with the same guest joining me for six relaxed, honest and practical bite-sized conversations.
A 60-minute conversation is recorded and then released as six individual episodes, with each episode focusing on a different Primary PE or swimming topic.
From lesson design and learning environments to PE games, PESSPA, leadership and curriculum development, each conversation brings together real experiences, professional knowledge and practical ideas that teachers and leaders can use straight away.
Once the six-part series is complete, a new guest joins me for the next series, bringing a fresh perspective, different experiences and new ideas to explore.
Six episodes. One guest. One conversation. Practical ideas for Primary PE.
In episode 6, Sam Horton is joined by Fiona Ellis for a conversation all about school swimming and the important role it plays within primary PE.
Sam and Fiona explore why swimming needs to be treated as a key part of the PE curriculum rather than an add-on, including the importance of the three key outcomes: 25 metres, a range of strokes and water safety.
They discuss the realities of delivering school swimming, from limited pool time, large year groups and transport, to differences in children’s prior swimming experience and confidence. They also explore the importance of making children feel safe and comfortable around water, particularly when it comes to developing water confidence and self-rescue skills.
The conversation also looks at practical approaches to teaching swimming effectively, including gradually building expectations, identifying misconceptions quickly, peer learning, clear teaching points and adapting lessons to meet the needs of different children.
There’s also discussion around the Swim England School Swimming Charter, and how schools can think more strategically about their swimming provision.
A practical and honest conversation about school swimming, water safety, confidence and how we can create better experiences for every child in the pool.
Primary PE Lead: In Conversation
27 Sept 2026
Fiona Ellis Episode 5 - PE Leadership
In episode 5, Sam Horton is joined by Fiona Ellis to explore what it really means to lead PE in a primary school — and where a new PE Lead should actually start.
Fiona shares her approach to auditing PE provision and using data to understand where a school is and where it needs to go next. The conversation looks beyond simply assessing lessons, exploring everything from curriculum provision and staff knowledge to extracurricular opportunities, competitions, active lunchtimes and school sport.
Sam and Fiona also discuss the importance of keeping assessment simple, making expectations clear for both teachers and children, and using learning walks and staff conversations to understand what is really happening in PE.
They explore the role of the PE Lead in supporting colleagues through internal and external CPD, working with other subject leaders, involving SLT and governors, and creating an open culture where people can talk about what is working and what could improve.
Fiona also reflects on her own experience of PE leadership and the importance of recognising that you don’t have to change everything at once. Sometimes leadership is about making one small improvement at a time — whether that’s developing schemes of work, improving consistency, increasing participation or making PE more inclusive.
A conversation about experience, evidence, collaboration and practical leadership — and how PE Leads can gradually make a real difference across their school.
🎧 Primary PE Lead: In Conversation
23 Sept 2026
Fiona Ellis Episode 4 - Scheme of Work
In episode 4, Sam Horton is joined by Fiona Ellis to explore one of the biggest challenges facing primary PE teachers and leaders: creating and using effective schemes of work.
The conversation looks at where to start when developing a PE curriculum, why knowing your children and understanding the needs of your school should influence the units you teach, and how a strong scheme of work can provide structure without taking away a teacher’s creativity.
Sam and Fiona discuss the huge range of schemes and resources available to schools, the challenge of knowing which ones are right for your setting, and why teachers shouldn’t feel they have to create an entire scheme from scratch overnight.
They explore how teachers can use existing resources to develop their subject knowledge, before gradually adapting them and putting their own stamp on their teaching.
The conversation also looks at the importance of transferable games, building progression across a unit, having clear lesson structures and resources, and creating schemes that can support both experienced teachers and those who are newer to primary PE.
Sam explains how his own scheme has developed over several years, including a 10-week structure with five weeks of skill development followed by five weeks of game situations, while Fiona shares her thoughts on adapting teaching in the moment and responding to what children actually need.
A really honest and practical conversation about what makes a scheme of work useful — and how teachers can make it their own.
Primary PE Lead: In ConversationPractical ideas, honest experiences and real conversations about Primary PE.
20 Sept 2026
Fiona Ellis Episode 3 - Dance & Gymnastics
In episode 3, Sam Horton is joined by Fiona Ellis to explore the teaching of dance and gymnastics in primary PE.
The conversation explores how to create lessons that keep children active, engaged and challenged, while giving them opportunities to develop their own ideas and learn from each other.
They discuss practical approaches including formations, levels, visual demonstrations, peer learning, checklists, differentiation and progression, as well as how teachers can structure lessons to minimise downtime and maximise learning.
A practical conversation for teachers looking to develop their confidence and approach to teaching dance and gymnastics in primary PE.
🎙️ Primary PE Lead: In Conversation — Episode 3: Dance & Gymnastics
15 Sept 2026
Fiona Ellis Episode 2 - Primary to Secondary
In episode 2, Sam Horton is joined by Fiona Ellis to explore the transition from Primary PE into Secondary school.
Fiona shares her own experience of making the move from secondary into primary, including her work around dance, engaging boys in physical activity and the opportunities created through the early years of PE and Sport Premium funding.
We also explore how schools can make transition more meaningful — from school games competitions and giving children a voice, to building confidence, social skills and helping pupils feel ready for the next stage of their education.
A practical and honest conversation about what Primary and Secondary PE can learn from each other, and how we can better prepare children for the journey between the two.
🎙️ Primary PE Lead: In Conversation — Episode 2: Primary to Secondary
11 Sept 2026
Fiona Ellis Episode 1 - Environment
In episode 1, Sam Horton is joined by Fiona Ellis to explore why creating the right learning environment is so important in Primary PE.
Fiona shares her experience of moving from secondary to primary PE and the challenges she faced, including PE kit expectations, routines, behaviour and getting children into the right mindset for PE.
We also discuss high expectations, positive relationships, specific praise, modelling the behaviours we expect from children, building confidence and creating a culture where children aren’t afraid to fail.
A relaxed, honest and practical conversation packed with ideas that teachers can take straight into their own PE lessons.
Primary PE Lead: In Conversation — practical ideas, honest experiences and real conversations about Primary PE.
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