How Victoria Park Infant School used the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey to spark conversations and drive change

By GM Moving | 12 September 2025 | TAGS: Children and young people, education, "primary schools", CYP Active Lives Survey

For one teacher, Mrs Gill, at Victoria Park Infant School in Trafford, the solution came through their local Active Education Lead, Kay Statham, who introduced them to the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey. The Active Lives Children and Young People Survey is a national survey, commissioned by Sport England, providing a world-leading approach to gathering data on how children and young people engage with physical activity and sport. By growing our understanding of young people’s attitudes and behaviours towards physical activity and sport, we are all in a better position to shape high-quality opportunities for them to be active.

This case study explores how the school used the survey not only to capture valuable data and earn free resources but also to spark meaningful conversations that are now informing their strategy for PE and school sport.  

The Process: Streamlining Data Collection  

Implementing the Active Lives Survey proved to be straightforward. Mrs Gill shared that the practical steps were simple, which was a key factor in its success. The school opted to use technology already on hand, stating, "The survey was conducted using iPads during lesson time, taking only a couple of minutes per child." This made the process quick and seamless, easily fitting into the school's schedule without causing major disruption.  

A crucial takeaway from their experience was the value of having an adult present during the survey. Mrs Gill stated, "All the questions were fine for the children (year 1 and 2 students) to answer but I felt it was better to have an adult present." This approach transformed the survey from a simple data-gathering exercise into an opportunity for genuine interaction, allowing for "valuable, on-the-spot conversations about why children felt the way they did.". This is another demonstration of how empowering young people to use their voice can help to increase participation in and enjoyment of the session. Youth voice is key in physical activity.

The People: Engaging the Whole School Community  

The success of the survey wasn't just in the data it provided, but also in how it brought the entire school community together.  

• Students: The survey's design was a major hit with the children. They were particularly excited to use the iPads and were captivated by the survey's interactive characters. Mrs Gill noted, "The children really enjoyed doing the survey."  

• Parents: To get a full picture of the children's activity levels, the school implemented a clear strategy to engage parents. They sent out emails and messages, and the children were encouraged to ask their parents to participate. Recognising that some families might not have access to a device, the school made it easy by offering the use of a school iPad at drop off and pick up.  

• Staff & Governors: The survey's impact extended to the school's leadership. The parent governors took part, showing a school-wide commitment to the initiative. The data collected will be used as a valuable resource to inform the school's end-of-year PE report.  

The Outcome: Key Insights and Impact  

The insights gained from the Active Lives Survey went far beyond just data. For Victoria Park Infant School, the survey was a powerful tool that deepened their understanding of their students' attitudes toward physical activity. Mrs Gill reflected, "It made us more aware of the children's attitudes to PE, sport and being active."  

One of the most important discoveries was seeing just how many children enjoyed exercise and being healthy. The survey also gave them a new perspective on student feelings, allowing them to explore why a child might not enjoy or feel they were "good at" a particular activity. Ultimately, Mrs Gill concluded that the survey offers immense value for any school, stating, "I think it’s very valuable for understanding how PE is viewed in school and helps move the subject forward."  

The Conclusion: Looking Ahead  

Victoria Park Infant School's experience with the Active Lives Survey was overwhelmingly positive. Mrs Gill reported that the entire process was seamless, with no major obstacles. "Nothing was challenging and the benefits of the equipment for the children that we can order are fabulous," they shared, highlighting a tangible reward for their participation.  

This positive experience culminated in a definitive recommendation from the school. Mrs Gill’s final comments serve as the ultimate stamp of approval and a forward-looking statement for future involvement: "Yes, we would participate again. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the parent’s survey."  

Ready to see how the Active Lives Survey can benefit your school?  

Learn more about the survey and how to get started.