§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much of the money which the New Opportunities Fund will receive during the licence period to September 2001 will be allocated to providing children with sporting opportunities at after-school clubs. [59936]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe New Opportunities Fund will commit £400 million to out of school hours activities during the current licence period to September 2001 . Within this, £180 million will be committed to education activities, £200 million to childcare, and £20 million to integrated projects combining both childcare and education.
Out of school hours education projects should involve at least half of all secondary schools, at least a quarter of all primary schools, and at least half of all special schools by 2001. Out of school childcare projects should provide childcare places catering for 865,000 children by 2003.
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister recently announced an extra £400 million for the New Opportunities Fund between now and 2001. We are consulting on how this money should be spent and propose that part of the additional amount should be committed to an expansion of the existing out of school hours initiative, to enhance the contribution made by summer schools not only to literacy, numeracy and opportunities for arts, but also to sport.
No specific amount has been earmarked for providing children with sporting opportunities at after-school clubs, but activities offered may include sporting and outdoor learning activities, and structured, learning-oriented play. The amount allocated for sport will be determined by the New Opportunities Fund in response to the applications received.