Process

The year-long project commenced in March 2022 and is structured into three phases of work and five work packages. Each work package is led by members of the research team.

Faq Items

Phase one (months one to three)

Phase one involved several steps:

1. Review of the existing evidence surrounding physical literacy

2. National consultation on physical literacy

This provided researchers, key stakeholders, and the wider community with the opportunity to comment on what physical literacy means to them or their organisation.

3. Insight with children and young people

This provided children and young people with the opportunity to share their perceptions of physical literacy.

4. Recruitment and selection of the expert panel members

Approximately sixty researchers, practitioners and professionals with significant expertise and experience in physical literacy and/or related concepts have agreed to work with us as part of a Physical Literacy Expert Panel.

The findings of steps 1-3 have been summarised in separate reports, and are informing the work of the Expert Panel.

Phase two (months four to nine)

The second phase of the consensus building process involved the work of the Expert Panel. The aim of the expert panel was to provide recommendations for and to finalise the physical literacy consensus statement text.

The consensus building process involved a modified Delphi methodological approach, which combines anonymous surveys with online and in person meetings.

The panel meetings provided a forum for individual panel members to engage in discussion around uncertainties to catalyse the process of finding consensus.

The draft consensus statement text was co-developed by the expert panel members at a one day workshop in Birmingham on Wednesday 2 November, 2022. The co-developed statement was subsequently reviewed by the panel members and a copy writer, before the final draft consensus statement was approved by the panel for release for consultation.

The final stage in the expert panel process will be to review the feedback from the national consultation (Phase three), and consider any further changes in the consensus statement text before it is finalised and formally launched in Spring-Summer 2023.

Phase three (months ten to twelve)

The final phase will again, consist of a number of steps:

1. Second national consultation on the draft physical literacy consensus statement text

A first draft of the physical literacy consensus statement text will be open for feedback from Sport England’s stakeholders and partners, the scientific community, and the public.

2. Webinar to share and discuss draft physical literacy consensus statement text with key stakeholders

A virtual opportunity to share and provide feedback

3. Summary report of national consultation feedback

This report will summarise the findings from the national consultation on the draft Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England project. The report will be presented to the expert panel, who will subsequently consider changes to the statement text.  

4. Physical Literacy Consensus Statement for England finalised.

The consensus statement text will be subject to sign off from Sport England prior to its dissemination, communication, and implementation in Spring-Summer, 2023.