Primary PE and Sport Premium, Are You Compliant?


Governors have a key role in monitoring how funding is spent, the ability to challenge leaders and ensure impact is measured and reported. The PE and Sport Premium investment represents an opportunity to impact upon the lives of our young people through sport and physical activity. The health benefits gained from physical activity are well documented and given that 58.3% of children and young people in Kent and Medway do not meet the Chief Medical Officer recommendations of 60mins/day , this is not an opportunity we can afford to waste. Governors have a role in ensuring the money is spent correctly and ensuring our children leave primary school having had positive experiences setting them up for an active lifestyle. 

There is a real concern that many schools are mis-using the funds, unsure how to allocate the funds and governors are unaware of the five intended outcomes, namely:

Engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity

Raised profile of PE and Sport as a tool for whole school improvement

Increased confidence and knowledge of all staff in teaching PE and School Sport

Broader experience of sports and activities offered to all pupils

Increased participation in competitive sports

Schools receive £16,000 plus £10 per pupil, however with last year’s late announcement and next year’s funding yet to be confirmed now is the time to ensure the money is being spent wisely ensuring long term sustainability. The Department for Education states that the PE and Sport Premium is ringfenced and must only be used on the outcomes mentioned above. 

 “Any other use of the funding could result in schools having to pay back their allocation. It must not be used for delivering the curriculum or for capital expenditure such as improving facilities. In addition, it is worth noting that the Association for Physical Education has been informed that some Ofsted inspections have identified, under the Leadership and Management section, where funding has not been used appropriately.”

Association for Physical Education

Whilst we have had two years like no other the existing guidelines regarding the use of the PE and Sport Premium continue to apply. However, due to COVID-19 DfE relaxed arrangements for any unspent 2019-20 and 2020-21 premium to be carried forward to this academic year with the caveat this must be spent and reported by 31 July 2022. With careful planning this gives school leaders the opportunity to be creative and impactful for all pupils and the wider community. Sustainable impact is key, and this is clearly identified in the Ofsted framework. Governors must not shy away from challenging leaders but systematically question so that effective implementation of staff and resources secures positive outcomes for all pupils. 

Below are a few suggested responsibilities for Governors:

Ensure the PE and Sport Premium is discussed regularly with actions monitored

Have regular meetings with the staff member responsible for the PE and Sports Premium

Report the impact of previous years and the coming years plan to the Governing Body

Monitor, understand and feedback on the link between the PE and Sport Premium and the School Improvement Plan

To find out more, please visit https://www.kentsport.org/make-sport-happen/sport-in-education/primary-school-premium/guidancesupport/guidance/ or contact Karley Hubbard karley.hubbard@kent.gov.uk

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