§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to improve the quality of physical education in primary schools. [83247]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThis Government believe that PE and sport are essential to a rounded education. We have therefore committed £400 million of Lottery money through the New Opportunities Fund to after-school learning, including PE, sports, games and outdoor activities.
The review of the National Curriculum for the year 2000 is looking at all areas of the school curriculum, including physical education in primary schools. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be consulting widely on draft proposals for a revised National Curriculum during the summer, before final decisions are taken.
The Government will also be publishing a sports strategy paper later this year that will include the promotion of physical and sporting opportunities for young people as one of its principal aims. The Government also fund Sport England, whose Active Schools programme ensures quality sports provision in schools through a variety of initiatives, including BT TOP Sport, Sportsmark and Sportsmark Gold awards, Coaching for Teachers and the Sporting Ambassadors scheme. Sport England have committed £3.1m to Active Schools this year, in addition to Lottery funding of £7.75m towards TOP Play and BT Top Sport.