Politics

PE in primary schools gets a boost

A new website wants to improve sport in primary schools by helping them to recruit and develop sport coaches.

Launched last week at Berrymede Junior School in West London by Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson and British sprinter Bianca Williams, the “Coaching in Schools Portal” provides advice for headteachers on how to recruit, develop and use coaches effectively.

Primary schools are also receiving more than than £450 million over three academic years to improve PE and sport, with a typical 250-pupil primary getting about £9,000 a year.

Mr Timpson monitors wall climbing at Berrymede
Mr Timpson monitors wall climbing at Berrymede

Speaking at the launch, Mr Timpson, said: “We want all primary school children to play and enjoy sport, so they keep up the healthy habit for life.

“The PE and Sports Premium is helping to transform PE lessons – and enabling schools to hire extra coaches, buy new equipment and run free after-school classes.”

So far headteachers have used the funding to recruit extra PE teachers and train staff — as well as buying new equipment and offering a wider selection of sports clubs.

Bianca Williams, winner of two bronze medals for England in last summer’s Commonwealth Games, said: “PE and school sport isn’t just about nurturing future champions. It’s about building the fundamental movement skills that enable young people to take part in physical activity and find something to inspire them for an active life.

“PE and sport have also given me a range of skills which I can apply in other aspects of my life – teamwork, communication, resilience and the ability to persevere when things go wrong. So it’s vital that we get it right in primary schools.”

Use the Coaching in Schools Portal by visiting www.sportscoachuk.org/site-tools/about-uk-coaching/coaching-schools-portal.

Main pic: Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson (centre back) launches the Coaching in Schools Portal at Berrymede junior school.

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