Physical education: progress in groups 3–8; kindergarten children receive less attention
Primary school pupils must receive at least 90 minutes of physical education per week from a qualified teacher. More and more schools, particularly in groups 3–8, are meeting this requirement. But not every school yet. In addition, physical education for kindergarten children is receiving less attention in primary schools.
Physical activity during breaks: often limited to providing play equipment
Physical activity at school is about more than physical education. It can also take place at other times during the school day, such as during lessons or breaks. Many schools indicate that they do something to encourage pupils to be more physically active during breaks. But this often remains limited to providing play equipment, such as balls or skipping ropes.
No physical activity without a vision
Three quarters of primary schools have no specific school policy on physical activity during the school day. As a result, physical activity during the school day currently consists of separate activities without clear objectives or agreements. Initiatives remain dependent on the individual enthusiasm of teachers.
The four studies
- Physical education and physical activity in primary education 2024/2025: 3rd measurement – Authors: Dagmar Derikx, Nynke Popken, Amika Singh
- Facilities for physical education: the perspective of primary schools and municipalities. – Authors: Nynke Popken, Dagmar Derikx
- Physical activity during school breaks: how primary schools encourage physical activity during breaks. – Authors: Nynke Popken, Dagmar Derikx
- No physical activity without a vision: how primary schools develop, implement and embed their vision and policy on physical activity. – Authors: Lisa Wilderink, Marthe Westerbroek, Nynke Popken