The secretary of state for education Michael Gove MP is set to host a meeting on Thursday with representatives from the Football Association, the English and Wales Cricket Board, the Rugby Football Union and the Lawn Tennis Association to discuss school sport policy.
Under the coalition government, School Sports Partnerships were abolished and funding for other elements of school sports provision cut and the summit is intended to help produce an alternative policy to support PE in schools.
Andy Reed, chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance said:
“It’s pleasing that the secretary of state recognises that there is a clear need for an appraisal of policy when it comes to school sports. School sport plays a crucial part in inspiring young people to stay active but there’s no doubt that it hasn’t been as high up the agenda as it needs to be.
“School sport really is vital if we are going to truly ‘inspire a generation’ and it is essential that the right mandate is provided from the top. We have tried leaving sport up to teachers’ discretion in the past and that hasn’t worked due to pressures from other curriculum topics. Sport is one of those areas that gets squeezed when heads look to make cuts to their budgets or concentrate on academic subjects.
“Let’s grasp this opportunity for an overhaul of the status quo and capitalise on the excitement and interest the Olympics have generated to transform school sport for the better”.
Whilst the Alliance’s chair welcomes the collaborative process guiding the minister’s policy he also stresses the need for more far-reaching discussions to take place.
“The Alliance is pleased that national governing bodies are involved in the policy making process but all sports must be included as part of a wider consultation if any new system is to work.
"If we are going to have a school PE programme that works for every pupil, we need to invite all stakeholders into a discussion. That should include all sports, recreation and dance solutions as well as those who understand education needs".
Contact communications officer Libby Jellie or call 020 7976 3933 for more information.
