§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he has taken since 1 May 1997 to encourage the inclusion of information on sporting aims, provision and achievements in school annual reports and prospectuses. [34209]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe recent position is that all maintained schools must publish in their prospectus a statement of the governing body's aims in respect of sport at their school and the provision made for sport. Their annual report must indicate the extent to which these aims were met and give details of any notable sporting achievements. We shall, however, consult soon on the balance between requiring schools to include specific information in prospectuses and annual reports and leaving them greater discretion.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he has taken since 1 May 1997 to encourage schools' sports associations' involvement in competitions at district, regional and national levels. [34206]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Department recognises that schools' sports associations have a valuable role to play in extending sporting opportunities for young people and it is important for pupils' development that they have every opportunity to broaden their horizons through participation in sport and other activities. However, decisions about extra-curricular sporting activities are best left to schools themselves.
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§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he has taken since 1 May 1997 to encourage competitive team sport in schools. [34208]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe National Curriculum for physical education already requires schools to teach competitive team games.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of schools have achieved the Sportsmark target for sport provision outside school hours. [34221]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe Department does not collect this information. The Sportsmark scheme is operated by the English Sports Council.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if the amount of sport provided by schools inside and outside school hours has increased since 1 May 1997. [34229]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThis information is not collected by the Department.
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidelines he has issued to local education authorities and school governors on pupils' access to (i) grassed playing fields and (ii) other sports facilities. [34201]
§ Mr. ByersThe Education (School Premises) Regulations 1996 prescribe minimum areas of playing fields to which pupils must have access. Access to other sports facilities is not prescribed but to help local education authorities and school governors in planning their sporting provision, guidance is contained in two Departmental Building Bulletins,Area Guidelines for Schools and School Grounds: A Guide to Good Practice.