ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the issue of teachers’ training and development needs in primary physical education through an examination of past and contemporary research and identies improving the professional development of primary teachers as the main solution to the problem of raising attainment for pupils in primary physical education. Specic challenges are identied in relation to the curriculum, initial teacher education (ITE), professional development, managing specialist support and subject leadership. We present the main constraints in these areas, identify specic learning needs and make suggestions for overcoming barriers to professional learning in this subject. Throughout the chapter we encourage the adoption of a reective, reexive and continuous approach to professional development.