Equity and inclusion in physical education: themes and perspective for practitioners

In this first chapter Gary Stidder and Sid Hayes provide their rationale for writing a second edition of this book and the impetus for undertaking this task.They refer to the ways in which physical education can be an alienating experience for some pupils and why issues of equity and inclusion are important factors for teachers to consider. They outline some of the pertinent issues associated with equity and inclusion in physical education and the rationale for each chapter selection. They briefly highlight the introduction of key UK government landmark policies in relation to education, bringing to the fore changes in education since 1988, and conclude with an exploration of the rhetoric and reality of inclusion within physical education during the last decade.