§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will implement plans to invest in school sports as announced by the Prime Minister on 11 January 2001 and 9 June. [65598]
§ Mr. CabornDCMS/DfES are working together to deliver the PE school sport and club links project outlined by the PM in his announcements. Already 1.8 million primary pupils are benefiting from our investment in the school sports coordinators (SSCo) programme. Where SSCo partnerships have been established, 261W pupils are enjoying increased: extra-curricular provision; opportunities for competitive sport; links with secondary schools easing the transition between Key Stages Two and Three; access to qualified sports coaches; and opportunities to access training in sports leadership. By September this year there will be 142 specialist sports colleges supporting 742 SSCos and 3,576 primary link teachers. SSCOs will be key in delivering the entitlement for all 5 to 16-year-olds to two hours a week of high quality school sport and physical education within and beyond the curriculum. We will extend the SSCo programme to reach all primary pupils by 2006 (subject to spending review decisions).