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The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

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EFDS welcomes Government investment in Primary School sport

Today, EFDS has welcomed the Government's announcement on the substantial investment in primary school physical education and school sport, in addition to the greater focus from Ofsted in its implementation. National Governing Bodies of sport and County Sport Partnerships will also play a vital role to ensure PE becomes a meaningful experience for everyone.

Primary school sport is set to be transformed thanks to a £150 million a year boost that will improve coaching for the youngest pupils and inspire the Olympic and Paralympic stars of the future, the Prime Minister has announced.

The new sports funding aims to improve the quality of provision by providing:

  • A lump sum for each school, with a per-pupil top-up. A typical primary school with 250 primary aged pupils would receive £9,250 per year

  • ‘Ring-fenced’ funding that’s only to be spent on sport which will go directly into the hands of heads and teachers

  • A greater role for Britain’s best sporting and voluntary organisations, including National Governing Bodies who will increase the specialist coaching and skills development on offer for primary schools

  • Tougher assessment of sport provision via Ofsted to ensure the funding is bringing the maximum benefit for all pupils, with schools held to account for how they spend the money

  • Sport England investing £1.5 million a year of lottery funding through the County Sport partnerships to help Primary Schools link up with local sports coaches, clubs and sports governing bodies

  • Teacher training to produce a cadre of primary teachers with a particular specialism in PE, developed in conjunction with sports bodies

EFDS believe a positive experience in PE and school sport plays a critical role in shaping life-long participation and access to sporting pathways for all young people. While there is undoubtedly some outstanding practice of inclusive provision in physical education and school sport, we need to aspire towards high quality provision for all.

The investment announced today compliments EFDS's work through the Sainsbury’s Active Kids for All Inclusive PE programme. Alongside delivery partners Youth Sport Trust, we will be working hard to support both trainee teachers and established teaching networks to embed inclusive practices within their curriculum delivery. For more information on this programme, please visit our resources.

EFDS are the national body for disabled people in sport and physical activity throughout England. Our partnerships build on our vision that disabled people are active for life. We will continue our work with National Governing Bodies of sport (NGBs) to support them to be more inclusive for disabled people at all levels. New to the EFDS staff team, three Engagement Officers began their roles in February. They will also support County Sport Partnerships (CSPs) and NGBs to engage more effectively with disabled people of all ages.

To arrange any media interviews, contact Sarah Marl, Marketing and Communications Manager.