Government PE and sport premium funding aims to improve physical education and sport delivery in primary schools through the allocation of extra funds to headteachers up until 2016. The main objective is to double the number of PE specialists working in primary schools by training teachers in this topic.
However, when children leave school, their participation in sports and keeping active deteriorates – and this can lead to reduced healthy lifestyles and problems later in life. The government therefore wants to encourage more people to participate in physical activity and sport safely from a young age, and help them to continue throughout their life.
Minister for Children, MP Edward Timpson, said: “PE teaching is a specialist role and deserves bespoke support. PE specialists are vital to really embedding sporting expertise in schools, as well as giving children every chance of developing a sporting habit for life.”
Ofsted inspections will report on PE and sport provision and on how schools spend their additional funding. Schools are also required to publish details of how they spend (or will spend) their PE and sport grant. They must also include detail about the impact this funding has on pupils’ PE and sport participation and attainment.
What can you do to improve your PE and sport delivery?
Schools can choose how they use the funding, for example to:
- hire specialist PE teachers or qualified sports coaches to work with primary teachers during PE lessons
- provide resources to improve the delivery of PE and sport in schools, and its sustainability
- provide training courses in PE and sport for teachers
- support and involve the least active children by running after-school sports clubs and holiday clubs
- run sport competitions and sports activities with other schools
If you are looking to invest in your children’s play facilities, Sovereign is able to provide a quality range of sport and PE ideas:
Sports & fitness range
Sovereign’s sports and fitness range of playground equipment is designed to facilitate playground sports and encourage active, outdoor fitness through playtime and workout. Our collection of trim trails offers an assault course style of activity where children can enhance their motor skills through running, climbing and balancing tasks. Our playground gym equipment, on the other hand, focuses on isolated movements that train specific parts of the body – recommended for play areas with more mature users.
Promote the benefits of exercise and fitness in your playground and browse the range here.
Playground markings range
Our range of thermoplastic playground markings are an essential addition for any outdoor sports area, and can enhance your PE lessons drastically. We offer plenty of designs to choose from, including classic playground games like hopscotch, various sports line markings, e.g. tennis court lines and netball courts, and other fun, educational, and creative graphics.
Promote the benefits of playground PE markings in your playground and browse the range here.
For more help on improving your PE lessons, call our PE and funding specialist at Sovereign, Katy Huntington PGCE, BA (hons) on 07733002388.
