Inspiring the Next Generation
The government has unveiled a comprehensive two-year plan aimed at improving equal access and the quality of physical education (PE) and sports in schools. This initiative will benefit a greater number of girls, following the publication of the School Sport and Activity Action Plan.
The plan will support teachers and schools in delivering two hours of high-quality PE and offering competitive and extra-curricular opportunities to both girls and boys.
Emulating Sporting Heroes
This plan aims to encourage children to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes, such as Millie Bright leading the Lionesses in the World Cup, Katie Boulter representing Great Britain at Wimbledon, and Sarah Hunter and Marlie Parker co-captaining the women’s England rugby team to success in the women’s Six Nations.
Guiding Schools for Optimal Allocation
To assist schools in making the most of their allocation of the PE and Sport Premium, new guidance has been published alongside the action plan. It includes details of a digital tool to help schools effectively utilize their funding.
Headteachers can allocate this money to improve teacher training, offer increased opportunities for student participation in competitions, and expand the range of sports available within the school.
Targeted Funding for Greater Impact
In addition to funding for the PE and Sport Premium, the government has allocated an extra £57 million to over one thousand schools across England. This funding specifically targets girls, disadvantaged pupils, and those with special educational needs and disabilities, providing support to open sports facilities outside of regular school hours.
Commitment to Equal Access and Opportunity
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan expressed the importance of ensuring equal access to sports and opportunities for all students. She stated that the School Sport and Activity Action Plan crystallizes the government’s commitment to providing two hours of PE per week and equal access to all sports.
The plan aims to instill a lifelong passion for sport and fitness in every young person.
Embracing Change and Collaboration
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s Director of Women’s Football, welcomed the publication of the plan. She highlighted the government’s affirmation of the vital role PE and sports play in a well-rounded education.
The plan aims to deliver equal access and a minimum of two hours of PE per week, aligning with the inspirational impact of the Lionesses on the younger generation’s interest in football.
Supporting Schools with Detailed Guidance
Later this year, comprehensive guidance will support equal access and two hours of PE per week. Developed collaboratively with governing bodies and sporting organizations, it will identify schools providing equal access to sports for girls, including extracurricular activities. The guidance will include case studies exemplifying good practices for effective PE and sports programs.
Enhancing Quality and Opportunities
Moreover, the guidance will prioritize providing practical and detailed case studies from schools. Its aim is to help schools meet the two-hour PE requirement, ensure equal access for girls, and address areas requiring additional support, such as swimming and water safety lessons.
Promoting Inclusion and Leadership
The government will share new resources and findings from targeted programs designed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. These initiatives will also encourage competition and provide leadership opportunities for girls.
Long-Term Goals
The CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, Ali Oliver, expressed support for the Action Plan. While acknowledging the significance of the investment commitment and clear expectations, she emphasized the need to go beyond these initial steps.
The goal is to increase opportunities for physical activity throughout the school day, ensure equal access, and recognize that active children learn better.
Enhancing Physical and Mental Health
Health Minister Neil O’Brien emphasized the importance of physical activity in maintaining good health. The plan aims to engage more children across the country in regular sports and physical activities, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Celebrating Equal Access
The action plan outlines initiatives to encourage and recognize schools that provide equal access to sports for girls. New equality criteria will be introduced in the School Games Mark to identify schools that create positive sporting experiences across various disciplines, supporting young people in being active for 60 minutes each day.
Additionally, this achievement will be celebrated annually during National School Sports Week, led by the Youth Sport Trust. It consequently stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved in the government’s plan to improve equal access to sports and opportunities for all students.
This announcement precedes the government’s forthcoming sport strategy, which will address inactivity levels across all age groups and focus on sustainability within the sports sector.
Sources: THX News, Department for Education, The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP & Neil O’Brien MP.
