The government announcement that the Primary PE and Sports Premium would continue for the academic year 2025/26 was a welcome relief for England schools. Designed to support children and young people to live healthier and active lives and make participation in PE and school sport much easier, there is specific guidance around what, and how, the funding should be used.

The aim is to provide high-quality PE and sport for at least two hours a week, with the UK Chief Medical Officer recommending children should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day and disabled children 20 minutes. Whilst many schools rely on the support of external coaching companies, the government directive is clear that this should not replace the need for primary teaching staff but work in partnership to upskill them through formal CPD. Greater emphasis is placed on training existing school staff and helping them gain targeted, professional qualifications to deliver quality PE and after school activities. Teacher confidence and understanding will be monitored via questionnaires. Read more here.

Seeking pupil voice is important in establishing activities that will encourage children to move more. PE, activity and wellbeing can go beyond traditional sports. Gymnastics equipment is very versatile and using soft apparatus like this can encourage playful movement. You could also use your Premium for a trampoline to help develop jumping skills and develop bone density. For more inclusive games, try games like Boccia, Curling or Archery. There are also various target games and equipment that can help children develop their hand-eye coordination skills, whilst also having fun.

• The Primary and PE Sports Premium funding cannot be used to employ coaches or specialist teachers to cover PPA and it cannot be used to pay staff salaries, i.e. someone who is solely responsible for arranging and running PE, sport or activity sessions.

• It must also not be used for capital expenditure such as a MUGA, vehicles, fixed playground equipment or trophy cabinets – anything that would be used for more than the academic year.

• It cannot cover PE kit for staff, nor for swimming lessons (which is funding via curriculum provision). However, it can be used for top-up swimming lessons.

For further details on the criteria for the Primary PE and Sports Premium Fund, visit the official government website here .