Cumbria's primary schools gain millions for sport - Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed news that primary schools in Cumbria are to get over £2 million of sports funding this academic year. Furthermore, because the government has secured the funding until 2020 this will give our schools a potential £12 million windfall over the next few years.

The Primary PE and Sport Premium is to run until 2020, providing £150 million a year for activities such as hiring professional coaches and specialist PE teachers and buying new equipment, as well as operating more after-school clubs and running holiday and weekend sports sessions.

The dedicated primary PE and Sport Premium, which was announced in March 2013 and began the following September, goes directly to primary school head teachers so that they can decide how best to use it to provide sporting activities for pupils.

The Department of Education has announced the funding for 2013/14 for each school. For example Sedbergh Primary school will gain £8,665, Grasmere will gain £8,250 and Heron Hill Primary school will receive £9,685.

Tim believes Cumbria will receive £2,111,305 of funding this year and now as the funding has been secured until 2020, that means Cumbria could gain over £12 million.

He said: "Sadly, over the last two decades or so, there have been far too many schools where no pupils at all took part in competitive sport.

"It is great news for young people throughout Cumbria will see a benefit and it fantastic to see the government acting to secure the Olympic and Paralympic legacy in our primary schools."