A keen supporter of programmes encouraging young people to live healthier, more active lives, and get involved in school sport, Theresa Villiers MP, has published this article on new funding from the Government:
"School sport is important for children’s development, health and resilience and ensuring it is well funded is something I have raised with Ministers on several occasions over the past few years.
I am a big supporter of the Barnet Partnership for School Sport (BPSS) headed by Jo Eames. This organisation does so much to promote sports and activities across Barnet and it has my thanks for its work.
BPSS is really pleased because the Government has just announced significant funding measures. The Primary PE Premium and the Sport Premium will be funded for the next two academic years at a cost of £600 million.
Both are designed to help children get an active start in life by improving the quality of PE and sports in primary schools.
Another £22 million is going on a two-year funding for the School Games Organiser network (SGO). Every year, this 450 strong SGO workforce supports 2.2m participation opportunities nationally for children including 28,000 competitive school sport events.
Schools will now also deliver a minimum two hours of curriculum PE and there is to be equal access to sports in school where it is wanted for girls and boys.
And £57 million has been earmarked to fund the Open Sports Facilities programme. This will open more school sport facilities outside of school hours especially for girls, disadvantaged pupils and SEND pupils.
It was kind of Jo to thank me for my support. I am happy to champion this cause as BPSS builds on its important work getting young people active and into competitive sports."
