The DfE has confirmed that the Primary PE and Sport Premium will continue at the rate of £320 million for 2021-2022, with a further relaxation of ring-fencing arrangements for the PE and sport premium. This will allow any unspent grant to be carried forward into the 2021 to 2022 academic year.
For the fourth year running the Department for Education has maintained the amount schools are funded specifically for PE and sport. However, perhaps the most relevant part of the announcement was that the DfE has given permission for any used funding from 2020-21 can once again be carried forward as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, giving school leaders an opportunity to develop or add to their existing provision, or to make improvements that will benefit pupils joining the school in future years.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said:
“Today’s announcement confirming the PE and Sport Premium for the next academic year gives schools the opportunity to improve the quality of their sport provision and plan ahead with their funding. It is vital all children have an active start in life, and our continued investment will play an important part in their development and recovery from the pandemic.”
The announcement has been warmly received amongst the primary school sector, during this time of change and uncertainty. LSC joined the Association for Physical Education’s Associate scheme last year and afPE were amongst those commenting positively.
Sue Wilkinson MBE, CEO of Association for Physical Education said:
“afPE is delighted that the Primary PE and sport premium will continue for an additional year and that schools will be able to carry over any underspend until, July 2022. This will enable schools to plan for sustainable solutions to ensure that all their children will be able to access high quality physical education, school sport and physical activity. Now more than ever, it is critical that we place PE front and centre in schools, to prioritise children’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive well being and development.”
The PE and Sport Premium is designed to help children get an active start in life, supporting primary schools to improve the quality of their PE and sport provision so that pupils experience the benefits of regular exercise – from becoming healthier both mentally and physically to improved behaviour and better academic achievement.
“LSC is delighted that the DfE has confirmed Primary PE and Sport Premium will continue. It will allow head teachers, governors and school sports coordinators to plan out their future physical education and sport provision into next year without uncertainty.” said Craig Brennan, CEO. He also commented, “Over the past few years, LSC has helped to upskill and develop school staff and the continuation of funding means that many more pupils will experience high quality PE, school sport and physical activity (PESSPA). The funding helps to support our mission of getting more children to do more sport and become more active.”
