The real PE podcast

In this special edition of the real PE podcast Ronnie Heath and John Parsons dissect physical literacy:

Is it genuinely different from good PE, or are we just rebranding what we should have been doing all along? In this candid special edition, they explore the new consensus statement, the Patchwork project, and why schools still struggle to distinguish PE from sport. With brutal honesty about grassroots practice and thought-provoking questions about terminology, this episode tackles the gap between ambition and reality in children's physical development. Essential listening for anyone working in education, sport, or child development.

Join us for an honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversation about:

The new consensus statement for physical literacy in England and what it really means

Why physical literacy sounds remarkably similar to what real PE has championed for 16 years

The critical difference (or is there one?) between physical literacy and physical education

Whether we're reinventing the wheel or genuinely moving the sector forward

The Patchwork project's work translating theory into practice across communities

Why parents still can't tell the difference between PE and sport – and whose fault that is

The brutal truth about grassroots sport and the gap between what we say and what we do

This episode doesn't shy away from the hard questions. If physical literacy is about how we move, connect, think, and feel – isn't that just describing good education full stop? Is sculpture part of physical literacy? What about drama or playing a musical instrument?

Ronnie challenges whether we're simply admitting that PE is finally catching up with child development science, whilst John defends the intent behind the movement and the real problems it's trying to solve. Both agree on one thing: translating good principles into actual practice remains our biggest challenge.

Whether you're a PE teacher, school leader, sports coach, or anyone working in children's physical development, this conversation will make you think differently about the language we use and the change we're trying to create.

Join hosts Ronnie Heath (CEO of Create Development) and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE), as they delve into an engaging conversation with Emma Lewry, early years expert and consultant, as she shares transformative insights on extending play-based learning beyond reception. Discover how movement, choice, and continuous provision can revolutionise learning throughout primary school, creating engaged, motivated learners who love coming to school.

In this inspiring real PE special edition, we're joined by Emma Leary, an experienced headteacher turned consultant who's pioneering the extension of early years best practice into Key Stage 1 and beyond.

Emma shares her journey from the "glitter and Play-Doh" of early years teaching through three headships to her current work supporting schools across the UK in implementing play-based, movement-rich approaches that transform children's engagement with learning.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who believes children should love learning and that school should be a place of joy, not just compliance.

Join hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation) for an extraordinary conversation with Sarah Moon, Membership Experience Manager at real PE and former Head Coach of the GB Rhythmic Gymnastics team at the 2012 Olympics.

In this fascinating episode, Sarah shares her remarkable journey from coaching elite gymnasts on the world's biggest stage to supporting thousands of primary school teachers across the UK. Discover how the principles that helped Team GB achieve their best-ever Olympic performance translate directly to creating inclusive, personalised learning experiences in school halls nationwide.

Sarah reveals the surprising similarities between coaching Olympic athletes and working with a class of 30 primary school children, exploring how a 'personal best' mindset can transform both elite performance and everyday PE lessons. Learn about the development of real Gym, the innovative programme breaking down barriers and stereotypes around gymnastics in schools.

This episode challenges preconceptions about elite sport and education, showing how personalisation, belonging, and celebrating individual progress are essential whether you're preparing for the Olympics or helping a child take their first tentative steps on a gymnastics mat.

Perfect for educators, coaches, and anyone interested in how high-performance principles can enhance learning for every child.

In this passionate episode of real Nonsense, hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath, and John Parsons discuss whether focusing on holistic development—personal, social, and emotional skills—distracts from core physical outcomes in PE.

The trio explore the "cog theory" of learning, demonstrating how different areas of development work together like interconnected cogs. When one cog sticks, the whole system fails.

They argue that far from being a distraction, holistic approaches actually accelerate learning and make PE more inclusive for all pupils.

This brilliant episode see's hosts Toni Smyth, Ronnie Heath (CEO of real PE), and John Parsons (Director of Innovation at real PE) tackle the misconception that deliberate practice of physical skills has to be boring and repetitive.

In this engaging episode, the team explores why traditional skills practice can feel monotonous when not delivered well, and share creative, age-appropriate solutions that maintain the essential repetition needed for physical learning whilst making it joyful and engaging. From adventure-based learning in early years to whole-part-whole approaches in Key Stage 2, discover how to transform repetitive practices into meaningful, fun experiences that children actually want to participate in.

The discussion covers practical strategies for different age groups, the importance of choice and challenge in learning, and how deliberate practice extends beyond physical skills to include learning behaviours that benefit all aspects of education. Whether you're a primary teacher, PE specialist, or grassroots coach, this episode provides actionable insights for making skills practice both effective and enjoyable.