Last month I was lobbied by some of Broxtowe’s youngest constituents who contacted me concerned about the future funding of Physical Education in schools and the Sport Premium. The letters from pupils at Larkfield's Junior School were well-written, well-researched and well-received. As your Member of Parliament, I encourage everybody and anybody in Broxtowe to get involved in the political process by writing to me, but I must say, it brings me particular joy to see young people using their voice to raise awareness of the issues that matter to them the most.
I have always had a keen interest in sport, and I believe that through sport we learn lessons of teamwork, discipline and fair play while improving physical and mental health. Sport in schools is no less important than any other subject, and as such, warrants significant funding. When I campaigned during the General Election, my 6-point plan contained a commitment to improving our local schools; ensuring that primary school PE teaching is properly funded and delivered is an essential part of this promise.
As such, I am pleased that this Government has committed £320 million to fund PE and the Sport Premium during the 2020-21 academic year. Furthermore, I welcome the announcement by Ministers that any PE and Sport Premium funding not used by schools this academic year as a result of COVID-19 can be brought forward to use in the next academic year. This provides school leaders with an opportunity to develop or add to their existing provision, or to make improvements that will benefit pupils joining the school in future years.
This announcement builds on the ambitious School Sport and Activity Action Plan launched last year and set out a range of measures to ensure that all children have access to high-quality physical education and sport and opportunities to be physically active throughout the school day. This will help pupils achieve 60 minutes a day of physical exercise, as recommended by the Chief Medical Officer. A total of £2.4 million in funding has been provided to support this activity in 2019-20 and Ministers have worked with Active Partnerships, teaching schools and sport providers to support children to take part in activities that encourage good physical health.