School sport survey launched

The Youth Sport Trust has launched a survey into PE and school sport over concerns that there is a ‘postcode lottery’ of provision.

The survey follows a report by Ofsted released last week which criticised state school provision of competitive sport.

Since 2010 there has been no national survey of school sport which has resulted in a lack of current intelligence around provision, the activity levels of pupils, and emerging trends across physical education, physical activity and school sport.

The Youth Sport Trust survey has been developed with the support of headteachers and will aim to identify the varying levels of provision across the country and give schools the opportunity to assess their own performance against others locally and nationally.

All schools will be sent a link to complete the survey the week commencing Monday, June 23.

John Steele, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, feels that releasing the survey during National School Sport Week is the perfect time to turn all eyes to on school sport.

“National School Sport Week is the ideal time to shine a spotlight on the importance of PE and school sport. We work with many schools that share our belief that a good PE and sport offer can raise the achievement and attainment of all young people.

“However, we do have significant concerns that the level of provision across the country is not consistent, which could be resulting in a postcode lottery of provision. Our survey will investigate this as it risks leaving some young people without the high-quality experience they deserve.

“It is crucial that we play a key role in improving physical activity rates amongst young people and there couldn’t be a more important time for us to investigate the current levels of PE and sport in schools."

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