afPE’s Statement Following the Release of the Updated School Sport and Activity Action Plan

Following the publication by HM Government on Wednesday 19th July 2023, of The School Sport and Activity Action Plan, the Association for Physical Education (afPE) is delighted to see HM Treasury’s firm commitment to funding a further two years of the Primary PE and Sport Premium—giving schools the time to devise and implement a strategic vision for Physical Education (PE), school sport, and physical activity.

Research led by academics of the University of Edinburgh Developmental Physical Education Group (DPEG) clearly outlines that PE is a lifelong necessity, and that its place in the school curriculum—the only context in which every child and young person is guaranteed PE teaching—is central to their development.

PE sets the foundations for lifelong physical activity at school age, wherever and however it takes place. We must teach all young people to move skilfully and competently if they are to achieve healthy levels of physical activity.

Unless we effectively educate young people through PE, their future ability and desire to select and participate in sporting activities—both at school and in the community—will be jeopardised.

We fully understand our workforce’s universally held frustration that PE is not explicitly named in the title of the Action Plan. PE is critical to the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of all children and young people, as well as their crucial life outcomes.

Put simply: both now and in the future, PE must be taught by a consistently highly skilled and well-resourced workforce with an unbroken continuity of political support from both Government and Opposition parties.

The PE workforce welcomes the revision of the 2-hour minimum for timetabled PE in schools to enable the achievement of National Curriculum outcomes.

The Action Plan aims to ensure access to a broad range of extra-curricular activities, including investment in—and increased access to—physical activity for girls, disadvantaged pupils, and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

The continuation of the School Games Organiser (SGO) network is also warmly welcomed.

Following the recommendations of the PE Taskforce—chaired by Edward Timpson CBE KC MP, former Minister for Vulnerable Children & Families—afPE remains entirely committed to valuing PE and raising its status: placing it at the heart of school life.

We must safeguard PE’s legacy to all children and young people: an underpinning of a lifelong love of physical activity and sport.

Sue Wilkinson MBE, CEO

Professor Jeanne Keay, Chair of afPE

Steve Caldecott, DCEO

Dr Vanessa King, ADCEO

View the School Sport and Activity Action Plan release HERE.