It has finally been confirmed that the Sport Premium Funding made available to schools has doubled from £160 million to £320 million!
Following the announcement in 2016 that the funding will double due to the new ‘Sugar Tax’ levy, the funding has now been allocated to schools to invest in creating a positive impact on children’s lives.
Schools now have a responsibility to help create a lasting legacy by providing the highest level of physical activity and sport possible using their Sport Premium Funding. With the NHS reporting children’s obesity levels rising to one in five when starting school, and one in three when leaving Primary School, it is crucial that these figures are massively reduced to combat health issues in school children.
The Bugs Group would like to echo the thoughts of ukactive in making sure that we use this once in a lifetime opportunity to turn the tide of generation inactive.
Responding to the news that the Primary PE and Sport Premium will be doubled, The Bugs Group’s CEO Mark Goode said: “This near half-billion pound boost to children’s activity is a fantastic opportunity to provide a fitter future for our children.”
“Schools now have the funds to really help every child achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day, something that is wholly supported by The Bugs Group. This can be through children playing sport, building activity into lessons or break times and even encouraging children to get active during holidays and at home. I truly believe this is our chance to turn the tide on ‘generation inactive’ and get them fit for the future.”
The Department for Education have produced five key indicators for schools on areas that could be improved, along with some guidelines on how to use the funding.
The Bugs Group work with hundreds of schools across the country running Sport Development Programmes, aiming to not only improve children’s activity levels and physical literacy, but also their emotional aspects such as confidence and social skills.
The unique way of combining sport with storytelling and imagination allows children to become engaged in sessions and learn through play. This means that school children are given positive experiences of sport and physical activity at an early age, therefore increasing their chances of continuing to remain active as they grow older.
Now is the time to try and reverse the trend of inactivity within children, as there may never be a better opportunity with the increased Sport Premium Funding and resources available to schools. The priority must be to ensure children reach the recommended 60 minutes of exercise a day, or even to surpass this figure to create a healthy and active generation.
To find out more about The Bugs Group’s programmes within Schools please click here. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us, please either call 0121 777 7792 or click here.
