On Monday, 31^st March, Woodlands Meed once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to inclusive sports by hosting our second annual JOLF festival—and what an incredible morning it was!  Building on the successes of last year, we took on valuable feedback, fine-tuned our approach, and delivered an even more dynamic, accessible, and exhilarating event for all.

At the heart of the festival was JOLF mastermind Neil, who orchestrated a morning brimming with highly engaging activities, skill-building, and, most importantly, inclusive fun!  SEN students from mainstream primary schools joined forces with our Woodlands Meed students, embracing the challenge of 17 thrilling JOLF games—ranging from table-top to floor-based activities; ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, had the opportunity to shine!

The turnout was nothing short of remarkable, with 128 children participating, including students from local primary schools Harlands and Turners Hill.  Every primary student from Woodlands Meed took part, and we also welcomed our Key Stage 3 students with more complex needs, ensuring that inclusivity remained at the heart of the festival.

A key highlight of this year’s festival was the outstanding contribution of our sports’ leaders.  Stepping up to the challenge, 21 students from both our school and college sites took on leadership roles—five more than last year!  Their confidence, patience, and encouragement did not go unnoticed, with visiting schools praising them as ‘brilliant,’ ‘great at running activities,’ and being ‘fantastic with our children.’  Unlike last year, there was no need to invite external leaders from mainstream secondary schools—our own students proved more than capable of leading with excellence!  Well done everyone!

In response to last year’s feedback, we also refined the setup to create an even smoother and more comfortable experience for all.  A dedicated timetable for the Performing Arts Room was introduced, allowing smaller groups to enjoy activities in a calmer, more focused setting; an addition that was met with great appreciation.

The festival was a joy to witness; students playing, learning, and celebrating achievements together.  Seeing every child fully engaged and at the heart of the event was a testament to the power of inclusive sport.

We are incredibly proud to host such a meaningful and empowering festival.  A huge thank you to Neil, our phenomenal students, dedicated staff, and visiting schools for   making this an unforgettable morning.  We are looking forward to next year and are already exploring further opportunities to provide even greater inclusive sporting events for both our students and also those SEN children currently in mainstream education.  Successful inclusion is not a one-off event; it’s an ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or background, has equal chances to participate and thrive. By creating consistent and meaningful opportunities, we can help individuals reach their full potential and truly embody the spirit of #SportForAll!