Sports Premium Funding
At Unmatched Coaching, we recognise the critical role that physical education (PE) and sport play in promoting healthy, active lifestyles among children and young people. The PE and Sport Premium funding provided by the government presents a unique opportunity for primary schools to enhance their PE provision and foster a culture of physical activity.
What is Sports Premium Funding?
Sports Premium funding is allocated to primary schools in England to improve the quality of PE and sports provision. It aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to be physically active and develop a lifelong love for sport. The funding is provided by the government and is calculated based on the number of pupils in Year 1 to Year 6.
How Much Funding Do Schools Receive?
Most primary schools receive PE and Sport Premium funding based on the number of pupils they have in years 1 to 6. The funding amounts for the academic year 2023 to 2024 are as follows:
Schools with 16 or fewer eligible pupils: £1,000 per pupil.
Schools with 17 or more eligible pupils: £16,000 plus an additional £10 per pupil.
Funding is disbursed in two separate payments to maintained schools, academies, and non-maintained special schools, with specific dates outlined for each category.
Schools should prioritise PE and Sport Premium spending to improve in the following five key indicators:
Increased confidence, knowledge, and skills of all staff in teaching PE and sport.
The engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity.
The profile of PE and sport is raised across the school as a tool for whole-school improvement.
Broader experience of a range of sports and activities offered to all pupils.
Increased participation in competitive sport.
How Should Schools Spend Their Sports Premium Funding?
Schools are encouraged to use the PE and Sport Premium funding to make additional and sustainable improvements to their PE, sport, and physical activity provision. This may include:
Funding high-quality PE and sport for at least 2 hours a week, complemented by extracurricular sport and competitive opportunities.
Providing or improving equal access to sport for boys and girls.
Prioritising staff development to enhance teaching quality and confidence in delivering PE and sport.
Effective Use of Funding:
Investing in CPD for teachers is a key priority to ensure the sustainability of improvements in PE and sport provision. Schools can use the PE and Sport Premium funding to provide staff with professional development, mentoring, training, and access to external resources. We recommend partnering with quality-assured CPD providers to maximise the impact of training initiatives.
Continued Professional Development (CPD):
Other Effective Spending Strategies:
In addition to staff development, schools can embed physical activity into the school day, provide targeted support for the least active children, and ensure equal access to a range of sports and physical activities. The funding can also be used to raise attainment in primary school swimming and water safety through top-up swimming sessions for pupils who have not met national curriculum requirements.
Accountability and Reporting:
Schools are accountable for how they use the PE and Sport Premium funding and must publish a report detailing their spending and its impact on their school website. Reports should include the amount of funding received, a breakdown of expenditure, measurable impact on PE attainment and physical activity, and plans for future sustainability. Unmatched Coaching offers consultancy services to support schools in meeting reporting requirements and ensuring effective use of funding.
Digital Reporting Tool:
A new digital reporting tool will facilitate efficient reporting and monitoring of PE and Sport Premium spending, ensuring compliance and accountability. Piloting in the 2023-2024 academic year, it will become mandatory from 2024-2025, providing enhanced transparency and oversight.
Conclusion:
The PE and Sport Premium funding presents a valuable opportunity for primary schools to enhance PE provision, promote physical activity, and improve student outcomes. By prioritising staff development, strategic planning, and evidence-based interventions, schools can create a lasting legacy of physical education excellence. Contact Unmatched Coaching to learn how our consultancy services can support your school in maximising the impact of the PE and Sport Premium funding.
Services you may be interested in;
Fuel enthusiasm for learning with our comprehensive curriculum, designed to make physical education exciting and accessible for every primary school student.
Celebrate diversity with our inclusive programs, designed to create an environment where every primary school student can actively participate and thrive.
Enhance your school's PE strategy with our integrated approach. Our consultancy optimises Sports Premium funding and collaborates with the PE lead to support reporting against 5 key indicators, driving impactful improvements school-wide.
Empower primary school educators with our tailored CPD and staff training, fostering a confident and skilled approach to delivering exceptional physical education.
Measure success with our impact reports, offering a comprehensive overview of the positive changes brought about by our programs in primary schools.
Simplify assessment processes with our intuitive tracker, supporting primary school teachers in monitoring student development and adapting teaching methods effectively.