A debate in Parliament has heard MPs show support for calls from the Youth Sport Trust to make PE a core subject, with recognition that there is an urgent need for confirmation of funding for school sport for the academic year 2023/24.
Since London hosted the Olympic & Paralympic Games, more than 36,000 hours of PE has been lost from the curriculum (Department for Education Workforce Survey). Currently, there are only 47.2% of children accessing the 60 active minutes a day recommended by the Chief Medical Officer.
The charity has called on government to elevate the content and ambitions of the current School Sport & Activity Action Plan into a long term, joined up (cross- government) strategy with national targets, accountability, and clear leadership.
Currently the action plan lacks both strategic investment of funds and a clear ambition or target to mobilise sector engagement while raising public awareness of the importance of PE, sport and physical activity.