Bryan Slater Director of Education	Distribution
	Headteachers of All Primary Phase Schools

The attached document is provided for your information:

INFORMATION	Title	The Safe Use of Mats in Physical Education
	Summary of contents	Letter explaining the safe and appropriate use of mats in physical education.
	Associated documents	BAALPE Safe Practice in Physical Education
	Date	8 July 2003
	Effective from	Immediate
	LEA Contact	Martin Radmore	(	01603 433276
	E-mail address	martin.radmore@norfolk.gov.uk
	Norfolk Self Review reference	5. How well does the school care for its pupils?
	Document reference	MI 154/03

Re: The Safe Use of Mats in Physical Education

We have been made aware through phone-calls and INSET that there is a lack of clarity in some schools with regard to the safe use of mats for physical education. This is particularly the case when mats are to be used with larger apparatus such as wall-bars.

To help with this matter please find attached the guidance from the British Association of Advisers and Lecturers in Physical Education (Baalpe) which the LEA endorses. I would be grateful if you could ensure that the subject co-ordinator is made aware of this guidance and is able to communicate it to all staff.

Further specific advice on health and safety in physical education is available on the PE website located on www.norfolkesinet.org.uk/teacher zone/ by selecting Safety in PE.

Yours sincerely

Martin Radmore