Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the concerns that have been raised as a consequence of the shifting patterns of policy and practice in Primary physical education (PE) provision. The landscape of Primary school PE has, and continues to experience change both in England and internationally. The employment of external providers, notably sports coaches, has become the dominant discourse within Primary PE. This has been met with some level of apprehension from the PE academic community, who have expressed concern that coaches are not suitably qualified to deliver Primary PE, nor do they have the required knowledge, skills and understanding of the National Curriculum. However, some evidence would suggest there are positive benefits of having coaches delivering Primary PE. Either way, the evidence base appears fragmented and limited, or worse still, non-existent. What this paper attempts to do is provide a reasoned argument for is currently known, as well as offer recommendations for future research in this area.