Following the approval of the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 on 19 July, media outlets have reported fears that new regulations may pave the way for the sale of playing fields, endangering the ability of schools to provide sport for future generations.
The Education Funding Agency (EFA), the government body through which schools funding is channelled, is now due to draw up guidance for schools based on these new regulations, including advice on minimum space requirements for school playing fields. The Sport and Recreation Alliance has met with the EFA to express the views of its members that minimum space requirements should be an important part of that guidance.
Tim Lamb, chief executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said:
"We're confident that the Education Funding Agency understands the need to require schools to retain a minimum playing field space because the previous requirements were one of the key tools for preventing the sale of land."
For more information contact James Stibbs.
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