Primary School Sport Premium analysis released

The Department for Education has published the first part of its research into the PE and Sport Premium in primary schools.

Researchers conducted 586 interviews with headteachers or staff responsible for making decision about PE spending and provision. Findings include:

• 86% of schools reported using the premium to up-skill and train existing staff. Changes reported by more than two-thirds of schools included buying new equipment (76%), providing more extra-curricular activities (74%), and employing a new sports coach (67%)
• The use of School Sport Partnerships Co-ordinators increased from 9% to 29% of schools
• The vast majority of schools (91%) reported an increase in the quality of PE teaching
• 84% of schools reported an increase in pupil engagement in PE during curricular time; this was more likely amongst schools with higher levels of pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM). 83% reported an increase in the levels of participation in extra-curricular activities.

The research also found that 79% of teachers thought that the premium had increased participation for all children. In particular, teachers highlighted increased participation for those less engaged/least active (38%), disadvantaged children (35%), and children with special educational needs (30%).

Around a fifth of schools reported an increase in participation particularly amongst girls. But there was no significant change in the average time pupils spent in curricular PE – this was two hours in both 2012/13 and 2013/14.

Staff surveyed were asked about what they thought the impact of the Premium is. Around a third of schools felt that the premium had had a big positive impact on behaviour – including confidence (35%), a healthier lifestyle (33%) and physical fitness (26%).

There was less of a perceived big impact on improvements in other academic subjects (9%).

James Allen, head of policy at the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said: "The funding is reinvigorating school sport following the demise of School Sport Partnerships.

"Many schools are making excellent use of the extra funding. What we would like to see now is consistent and robust inspections from Ofsted to make sure that every school is getting its physical education offering right."

Read the PE and sport premium:an investigation in primary schools report.

Read more Sport and Recreation Alliance news.

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