§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the survey of 50 of the largest primary schools in London, published in the Evening Standard on Thursday 21 March, which found that nearly half fail to deliver two hours of sport and physical education each week; that nearly 69WA half do not have a sports pitch of their own; and that a quarter do not have a gym. [HL3485]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandThe Government are committed to all children having two hours of high quality PE and school sport a week, within and outside the curriculum. The network of specialist sports colleges and the school sport co-ordinator programme are helping schools to make that a reality. Over 500 school sport co-ordinators have been appointed working with almost 2,500 primary link teachers in 100 "families" of schools. In London there are 13 specialist sports colleges, 50 school sport coordinators and over 200 primary link teachers. We intend to build on these foundations.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority's PE and School Sport Project is demonstrating how PE and school sport can raise standards and how with imaginative and flexible timetabling schools can, and do, provide two hours of high quality PE and school sport.
Significant funding is also being provided to enhance PE and sports facilities in schools. In total £130 million is being provided via the Space for Sport and Arts programme and £541 million from the New Opportunities Fund. London's share of these resources Is £101 million (£20 million from the Space for Sport and Arts programme supporting projects in 43 primary schools and £81 million from the New Opportunities Fund).