Why is Physical Education important?

Physical Education plays a vital part in every child's physical, social, psychological and technical development during their academic years. This unique subject allows high quality coaching to be delivered to children of all ages and ability levels both practically and theoretically. Children are able to experience weekly practical sessions both indoors and outdoors, in a wide range of physical, creative and aesthetic settings. Physical Education enables children to become 'Physically Literate' by building up each child's physical skills, subject knowledge and understanding of the importance of health and fitness.

The government is providing additional funding of £150 million per annum to improve provision of physical education (PE) and sport in primary schools. This funding - provided jointly by the Departments for Education, Health and Culture, Media and Sport – has been allocated to primary school head teachers.

This funding is ring-fenced and therefore can only be spent on provision of PE and sport in schools.

Purpose of funding

Schools must spend the additional funding on improving their provision of PE and sport, but schools have been given the freedom to choose how they do this. A list of possible uses has been suggested.