Open Letter from the Sport Sector to Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP – Future of the Premium

09/06/2021

Today the Sport Sector published an open letter to Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP, regarding the ‘Future of the £320 million Primary PE and sport premium‘.

To read the letter in full please click HERE.

Sue Wilkinson MBE, afPE CEO said:

“We know the impact that high quality physical education (PE) has on children and young peoples’ social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Now more than ever, it is important that PE (the statutory entitlement of every child), be placed front and centre of a school curriculum, so that the best outcomes can be achieved for all."

"In addition, we believe swimming is a key life skill, especially being able to carry out a safe self rescue, as well as helping to improve over all emotional well being and confidence. This is why it is important that government departments update schools on the future of the Primary PE and sport premium, so that effective and sustainable plans can be developed by schools, not least to top up swimming provision. If C&YP are to thrive and not just survive this pandemic, we must continue to invest in the workforce, to ensure that they can support a high quality PE curriculum; which will lead to greater involvement in a school sport enrichment programme, which in turn will lead to increased engagement in community clubs or other physical activities. As mentioned this strategic investment can produce tremendous whole school improvement outcomes, as well as preparing C&YP with the some of the wider skills required in life, such as confidence, the ability to make decisions, working in a team and developing leadership skills as well as preparing them to lead heathy active lifestyles…”

“…afPE is joining with other organisations to ask for a decision on the future of the Primary PE and sport premium funding for the next academic year; if schools have an additional year of funding they can focus on providing all C&YP with quality PE, school sport and physical activity, that will help to contribute to ensuring an effective recovery plan.”