DfE’s updated funding and advice on the PE and Sport Premium – Neil Coleman of OPAL writes . . .

On November 1st the Department for Education published updated funding and advice on the PE and Sport Premium.

Read the announcement here

The new text now includes the following direct references to “active breaktimes”;

  1. Engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity, for example by:
  • providing targeted activities or support to involve and encourage the least active children
  • encouraging active play during break times and lunchtimes
  • establishing, extending or funding attendance of school sport clubs and activities and holiday clubs, or broadening the variety offered
  • adopting an active mile initiative
  • raising attainment in primary school swimming to meet requirements of the national curriculum before the end of key stage 2. Every child should leave primary school able to swim
  1. Profile of PE and sport is raised across the school as a tool for whole-school improvement, for example by:
  • encouraging pupils to take on leadership or volunteer roles that support sport and physical activity within the school (such as ‘sport leader’ or peer-mentoring schemes)
  • embedding physical activity into the school day through active travel to and from school, active break times and active lessons and teaching

“Active Play” is not just running around or ball games. It also means that all children should be able to enjoy free access to wheeled play, musical and acting performance, den building, creative and imaginative play and many other forms of personally directed, enjoyable, physically and mentally healthy activities every breaktime.

It is hoped that these changes will make it clearer to schools that they may use their funding allocation in whichever way they feel is most appropriate to the needs of all their pupils.

 

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