STORY
The Government has announced a £1bn package for PE and school sport, saying the funding is intended to reduce inequality in children’s access to physical activity. Ministers said the programme would provide targeted support for schools and pupils who currently face barriers to participation.
The Department for Education said the funding would support new opportunities for children and help improve physical fitness, wellbeing and attendance. The announcement comes amid wider Government concern about children’s health, mental wellbeing and regional disparities in access to sport and enrichment activities.
Ministers said the package formed part of efforts to end what they described as a fitness postcode lottery. Schools and sporting bodies are expected to play a central role in delivering the programme, with the Government arguing that sport can support wider educational and social outcomes.