With the Department for Education confirming the continuation of the PE and School Sport Premium for the next academic year, now is the perfect time for schools to plan how to make the most of this valuable funding.
In this blog, we break down what the premium is, how it can be used effectively, and the key areas schools should focus on to create the biggest impact on children’s physical health and overall wellbeing.
What is the PE and School Sport premium
Getting children moving every day is key to their health, happiness, and success – and schools play a big part in making that happen. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children and young people get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily (20 minutes for those with disabilities), and primary schools are the perfect place to build those healthy habits early on.
That’s why the Department for Education wants every child to have equal access to high-quality PE and a wide range of sports and activities. Schools are encouraged to offer at least two hours of PE each week, along with plenty of opportunities for fun, active clubs and competitions. This not only boosts fitness but also supports whole child development and learning.
To help schools reach these goals, PE and sport premium funding is available – but it’s important that this funding goes directly towards helping children stay active, not just core school activities.
How the premium can be used
The funding is designed to:
- make additional and sustainable improvements to the PE, sport and physical activity they provide
- provide or improve equal access to sport for boys and girls
- ensure teachers have the relevant skills and knowledge to confidently teach PE in a structured way, prioritising continued professional development (CPD) and training where needed
Key areas for impact
To get the best results, schools should focus spending in five key areas:
- Increasing confidence, knowledge and skills of all staff in teaching PE and sporting activities
- Increasing engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity and sporting activities
- Raising the profile of PE and sport across the school, to support whole school improvement
- Offer a broader and more equal experience of a range of sports and physical activities to all pupils
- Increasing participation in competitive sport
Services we offer in line with government guidelines
Teacher Mentoring
Our Teacher Mentoring Programme is a tailored 1-1 programme, that provides teachers with the skill set and confidence to deliver high quality PE lessons. The programme will enhance teachers’ subject knowledge and will not only support the integration of PE across the school, but also focuses on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of children.
Supports indicators 1 & 3
Physical Active Learning
Our physically active learning programme, Maths on the Move, was created to improve confidence and attainment in Maths while being physically active. By offering an alternative approach to curriculum learning, schools can meet children where they are in their learning journey, especially those who struggle to learn in a classroom setting.
Maths on the Move was developed by teachers, for teachers and is tailored to meet the needs of your school. The programme might use physical activity as a method of learning but please be rest assured that this is not a PE lesson. However, it does help pupils achieve the recommend 60 minutes of activity a day.
Supports indicators 2 & 4
Play Maker Award
The purpose of this qualification is to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of how to become a Play Maker and Sports Leader within the school setting. This will allow structured and organised activities to be delivered at break and lunch times, organised and overseen by the pupils.
Supports indicators 2, 3 & 4
Active Lunchtimes
The Active Lunchtime programme is designed to upskill Teaching Assistants, Lunchtime Supervisory Team or any supporting adults who have an input within the lunchtime period.
Supports indicators 2 & 4
Inspire:Me
Our Inspire:Me summer packages introduce children to alternative sports and activities providing them with a fun and different way to develop their physical mental and social wellbeing. Our Inspire:Me enrichment activity programme is all about unlocking children’s potential through the power of physical activity and sport. These enrichment days aim to raise the profile of PE by providing children with the opportunity to experience and trial a variety of exciting sports, such as battlezone archery.
In the Inspire:Me sports day programme, children will participate in lessons focused on traditional sports, helping them build confidence, improve their skills, and get ready to shine on sports day.
Supports indicators 2, 4 & 5
Want to find out how to make the most of your PE and Sport Premium? Or learn more about one of our programmes?
Get in touch: [email protected]