Move More Kirklees is proud to be supporting a brand‑new Creating Active Schools (CAS) pilot, supporting local schools to build happier, healthier environments by embedding physical activity into the school day.
CAS is a nationally recognised professional development programme designed to help schools think differently about movement—not as an “add‑on”, but as something that is woven into teaching, routines and culture. The aim is simple: more active children, more confident staff, and more energised learning environments.
Five Kirklees Schools Leading the Way
Five schools are taking part in the pilot:
St Thomas CE Primary School
Boothroyd Primary Academy
St John’s Primary School
Marsden Infant and Nursery School
Oak Primary School
We began by targeting schools in Dewsbury West and Ashbrow, where Move More is already working closely with communities. Remaining places were then opened up to all schools at the Kirklees PE Network meeting on a first‑come basis.
These five schools are now at the forefront of shaping what a whole‑school approach to physical activity can look like across Kirklees.
Delivered by Experts in Active Learning
The programme is being delivered by a highly experienced team bringing both national and local expertise:
Paula Manser, Head Teacher at Birkby Infant School
Bryn Llewellyn, Director of Move & Learn
Alex Ogden, Education Manager at Yorkshire Sport Foundation and National CAS Partnership Lead
Together, they are supporting staff to rethink how movement can help strengthen teaching, learning, wellbeing and school culture.
A Powerful Start: Session One at Birkby Infant School
The first session took place on Thursday 12th February, where two staff members from each school—including at least one member of senior leadership—visited Birkby Infant School.
Here, they were able to see first‑hand how active learning has transformed:
Pupil engagement
Classroom behaviour
Staff confidence
The overall feel of the school environment
Birkby’s journey shows what is possible when movement becomes a natural part of everyday school life. Watch the video below to see the impact.
What Happens Next?
Over the next school term each of the 5 schools will receive:
1:1 tailored support providing guidance to help schools understand their starting point and plan meaningful changes
Whole staff CPD training offering staff practical strategies and confidence to embed movement across the school day
The 5 schools will also come back together through three groups sessions to learn from each other, share what’s working in their school, test new ideas and build momentum across the network.
The goal is for every school to finish the year with a clear, practical action plan to embed the CAS approach long‑term.
Building a More Active Future for Kirklees Children
We know that active children are happier, more confident, and ready to learn. By supporting schools to embed movement throughout the day—whether through active lessons, playtimes, transitions, or whole‑school culture—the CAS pilot is helping to create healthier environments where every child can thrive.
This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see how each school shapes the programme to fit their community.
More updates will follow as the pilot progresses.