Swim England

A nation swimming

'Huge help' as Government confirm PE and School Sport Premium funding

Swim England has spoken of its delight as the Government today confirmed that the PE and School Sport Premium funding will continue at £320 million for the next academic year.

Speaking following the announcement, Swim England chief executive Jane Nickerson said: “This is a really positive announcement from the Department for Education and will be a huge help to primary schools up and down the country.

“We’ve long been calling for the continuation of the PE and School Sport Premium, so this is a welcome result that will help improve school swimming and water safety sessions for our children who so desperately need them.

“With so many children having missed out on swimming opportunities due to the pandemic, this funding is needed more than ever.

“I hope schools will use it to improve their school swimming and water safety offering to pupils to make sure that every child leaves primary school set up to enjoy the water safely for the rest of their lives.”

Prioritise children’s physical wellbeing

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I am pleased to announce that we will continue to fund the PE and Sport Premium next year, so primary schools can continue to prioritise children’s physical wellbeing alongside education recovery.

“Children’s physical health has never been more important, and I am proud that this investment will build on our actions across government to support this activity – including through our School Sport and Activity Action Plan, and our £10.1 million investment helping school sport facilities and swimming pools.

“The funding, for the next academic year, can be used by schools alongside any money left over from the PE and Sport Premium grant this year or last.

“These underspends can be used by schools until 31 July 2022, and will help them to prioritise physical activities, sport and physical education with mental health and wellbeing support, or education catch up and tutoring.”

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