Five CPD courses to… specialise in working with children and young people

A recent study by the Royal Society for Public Health has found that the majority of children will be overweight or obese in nine areas of England by 2035. This means that the sport and physical activity sector now plays a more crucial role than ever before in the health and wellbeing of future generations.

If you currently work with children or young people or are looking to add this specialism to your skillset, we’ve featured five courses to help you develop the necessary skills to do so.

By learning how to support children and young people to get active, you could make a huge impact, not only on the lives of young people, but on their families, schools and an already stretched health service.

These CPD courses comprise of online learning to help keep your development flexible. Plus, we’ve signposted further relevant resources to allow you to develop and apply your knowledge.

CPD

1. Building Foundations for Sport

Provided by University of Wales Trinity Saint David
10 CIMSPA CPD points

This course is designed to upskill coaches and volunteers to deliver the Foundations Framework Wales sector-driven training for grassroots sport and physical activity for ages 3-11.

What you’ll learn about:

• Analysing children’s movement to be confident in modifying activities to support the physical development of all abilities and disabilities
• Building the motivation and confidence of children to enable them to access physical activity and sport for life
• Creating fun and engaging environments where children experience positive emotions in response to movement
• How to engage effectively with parents and families

2. Inclusion and SEND in PE and school sport

Provided by Aspire Training Solutions
3.5 CIMSPA CPD Points

Whether you’re a teacher, support team member or coach, this course focused on inclusion and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in PE and school sport will equip you with the tools you need to positively impact children’s lives. This comprehensive course will guide you through practical ideas and strategies for inclusive activities, helping you to build confidence in delivering engaging and supportive lessons.

What you’ll learn about:

• Practical ideas and strategies to confidently deliver inclusive and engaging lessons, supporting students with diverse abilities and needs
• How to adjust space, task, equipment and people (STEP) in PE to accommodate all children, enhancing engagement and participation
• The importance of pre-planning for children, especially those with education, health and care plans (EHCPs), and fostering positive collaboration
• Explore tools and techniques for inclusive PE sessions, with a focus on children with sensory, mobility or neurodiversity challenges.
• Identify opportunities for talented SEND students in community sports, with guidance on local clubs and activities.

3. Youth Athletic Development Webinar Series

Provided by FitPro
1.5 CIMSPA CPD Points

The aim of this webinar series is to educate practitioners on the key concepts of long-term athletic development, providing coaches with a greater understanding of how to properly train and progress youth athletes into adulthood. The series will explore the significance of physical literacy and fundamental movement skills, address the controversy of resistance training within youth populations and outline a model for long-term development based on current scientific literature.

What you’ll learn about:

• The health benefits and the common myths surrounding youth athletic development
• The morphological and neuromuscular differences between boys and girls within youth athletic development
• Implementing the Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD) model
• Implementing the Youth Physical Development model
• The differences between biological vs chronological age
• The importance of youth psychology and key theoretical concepts that surround positive cognitive, mental and psychosocial wellbeing
• The role of the coach, parent and peers within youth athletic development and influencing positive mental and emotional changes across childhood
• Implementing effective evidence-based youth athletic development periodisation

4. BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport

Provided by Sheffield Hallam University
10 CIMSPA CPD Points

Inspire the next generation by developing your knowledge and skills in physical education and school sport. Combining theory with hands-on projects in exceptional sports facilities, you’ll prepare for a rewarding career in a range of roles.

What you’ll learn about:

• Foundations of coaching and teaching
• Professional practice in PE and school sport
• The nature, purpose and science of PE and sport coaching
• Developing practical pedagogy
• Science and health in PE and school sport
• PE spaces and social change

5. Safeguarding & Protecting Children

Provided by UK Coaching, NSPCC and CPSU
2 CIMSPA CPD Points

During this interactive online workshop, you’ll raise your awareness of the tell-tale signs of abuse and gain the tools and confidence needed to deal with any issues sensitively, appropriately and effectively. You will be able to learn from expert tutors, all of whom have lived safeguarding experience, such as club welfare officers, schoolteachers or police officers.

What you’ll learn about:

• Identifying and recognising good coaching practice and the implications for your coaching
• Recognising safeguarding issues, what to do and, just as importantly, what not to do
• Explore your values and feelings in relation to child abuse and recognise their potential impact on your response
• Taking appropriate action if concerns about a child arise

Remember – you can submit your CPD to your CIMSPA member profile to build your professional portfolio, showcase your professional status and earn your CPD points.

*Only eligible membership categories.