Thousands of children are set to benefit from more sports activities outside school hours following a £1.6 million funding boost to help schools make better use of their facilities.
As part of a national drive to encourage 60 minutes of physical activity per day, the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced total funding worth £2.4 million for better sports activities and teaching.
This will include schools in 19 areas across England. The schools will collaborate with sports organisations to increase the opportunities to use school sports facilities outside the school day.
The Active Partnership Network, supported by Sport England, will set up the partnerships between schools and local sport providers; encouraging them to open up their sport facilities for fun sporting competitions, after school clubs and also holiday activities.
The new investment in school sports facilities builds on plans set out in the Sport and Activity Action Plan.
The plan aims to provide safe and familiar environments for children to take part in activities that encourage good physical health. It also promotes important skills for the future including teamwork and discipline.
Commenting is Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. “Getting children active from a young age helps them build confidence and learn skills they will use in later life. Many schools already open up their facilities so their communities can benefit. I want to encourage even more to do so.
“By backing schools with this extra money, we can make more fun activities available all year round. Everything from football to dodgeball. Helping children find a sport that they will enjoy and which will keep them healthy.
“As part of plans to extend their facilities to sports and activity clubs outside of teaching hours, schools will be able to generate additional sustainable income from leasing their premises to external organisations at affordable rates.
“In partnership with sports charities Active Partnerships and Sport England, the fund will provide sporting opportunities across the country. This includes in North Yorkshire and County Durham, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, Greater Manchester, London and Gloucestershire.”
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