Inclusive Coaching Isn’t About Complexity — It’s About Adaptability
See more of our work at movemojo.com
Most teacher training never shows you how to truly adapt PE for a mixed-ability group.
So when we were invited to run a workshop inside a SEND academy, we stripped it right back — no theory overload, no fancy equipment. Just clear, practical coaching tools built around one core idea:
If your session only works for one type of learner, it doesn’t work.
This blog breaks down the three key coaching concepts we used in the workshop, and how they helped teachers feel more confident delivering inclusive, developmental PE — regardless of disability or diagnosis.
1. Create Developmental Sessions — Not Just Activities
A lot of traditional PE is stuck in the loop of “pick a sport, teach a drill.” But if your drill isn’t designed to develop a range of abilities, it excludes more kids than it helps.
We showed teachers how to design developmental sessions with:
- Clear physical goals (e.g. stability, coordination)
- Multiple ways in to the task
- Outcomes that shift depending on ability level
It’s not about dumbing things down — it’s about designing the right level of challenge for everyone in the room.
2. Let Learning Happen Through Doing
We call this intrinsic learning — and it’s core to our coaching model.
In our sessions, the setup and rules do the heavy lifting. We don’t over-explain. We let people move, try, adjust, and figure things out.
The PE teachers in the room saw how this approach:
- Boosts engagement (less talking, more doing)Boosts engagement (less talking, more doing)
- Builds problem-solving and resilience
- Removes pressure to “get it right” first time
Boosts engagement (less talking, more doing)
3. Use Cues to Guide Skill Development — Not Commands
Instead of barking orders like “stand straight” or “run faster,” we teach coaches to use external cues — prompts that guide movement without overloading the brain.
Think:
🔁 “Try to reach that cone with your fingertips”
🎯 “Can you land quietly like a ninja?”
🌊 “Move like you’re on ice — smooth and controlled”
These cues help children (especially those with SEND or sensory needs) connect to the feel of movement, rather than trying to remember a checklist of technical points.
What Changed?
By the end of the session, teachers said they:
- Felt more confident delivering to mixed-ability classes
- Had new tools to adapt activities in real-time
- Understood the why behind inclusive coaching — not just the what
The big takeaway?
Adaptability isn’t a bolt-on — it’s the foundation of good coaching.
At Move Mojo®, This Is Our Standard
We don’t train coaches to memorise inclusive activities.
We show them how to build adaptable sessions from the ground up — rooted in the real-world needs of people with disabilities, learning needs, or low confidence.
Whether it’s a mainstream PE class or a specialist SEND environment, our approach gives professionals the tools to deliver movement that’s:
✅ Inclusive
✅ Intentional
✅ And actually fun to take part in
Want this in your school or setting?
Drop us a message — let’s build coaching that works for everyone.
You can see more of our work at https://movemojo.com/
