MP welcomes funding for school sport

Primary schools receive fresh funding boost of over £150 million to improve PE lessons as part of the PE and sport premium. South Lakes MP Tim has said that most local schools will gain nearly £9,000 under the scheme.

The 2014 to 2015 PE and sport premium allocations for maintained schools, free schools and academies, including conditions of grant was announced by the Department for Education today.

Many local schools will benefit from this scheme, including: Flookburgh CofE Primary School £8,305, Ambleside CofE Primary School £8,405, Grange CofE Primary School £8,505, Allithwaite CofE Primary School £8,405, Old Hutton CofE School £8,305, Sedbergh Primary School £8,660, Milnthorpe Primary School will be given £8,670.

Research has shown that 9 out of 10 schools have already improved the quality of their PE lessons as a result of the funding - and more than 90% of school reported improvements in children's health, behaviour and lifestyle.

Analysis always shows that primary school pupils are spending more time in PE lessons. Last year pupils spent an average of 122 minutes every week doing PE - up by 13 minutes from the previous year.

Commenting, Tim said: "This money means children in Cumbria will be able to take part in even more sport in primary schools. Sport can help children to build confidence, understand teamwork and, above all, stay healthy.

"I was determined to make sure we take advantage of the enthusiasm we saw during the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. The best legacy of these Games would be more children taking part in sport and learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle."