Primary PE and Sport Premium – How to Spend it Effectively

The government invests £320m per year in primary PE and sport premium funding. The objective of this funding is to achieve self-sustaining improvement in the quality of PE and sport. The funding, which is confirmed until July 2025, is invested directly into our primary schools.

Schools have a central role to play in supporting all children and young people to live healthy active lives. Crucial to achieving this is:

• ensuring that pupils have access to at least 30 minutes of physical activity during the school day.
• having high-quality PE provision taught by confident and knowledgeable teachers.
• providing opportunities for children to experience and participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities.

PE and sport premium grant funding should be used by schools towards these aims.

Ensuring the Primary PE and Sport Premium is Spent Effectively

Schools should consider the following:

1) Develop a clear and specific plan

Schools should create a detailed plan that outlines their objectives for using the funding, the activities they will deliver, and the expected outcomes. The plan should be developed with the input of teachers, coaches, and pupils, and it should be reviewed regularly to ensure that progress is being made. The Association of Physical education, (AfPE) has developed this reporting tool which doubles up as an action plan.

2) Invest in staff training and development

Schools should invest in training and development for their staff, including teachers, coaches, and support staff. This will ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality PE and sports activities. This may include training in specific sports or activities, as well as training in areas such as health and safety, inclusion, and behaviour management. Keep looking at our Training and Events page for any training opportunities available. Or you could subscribe to receive our free primary school newsletter, which we send out each term.

3) Focus on sustainability

Schools should aim to create sustainable improvements in their provision of PE and sports. This may involve investing in equipment, facilities, and resources that can be used over the long-term. Plus, building partnerships with local sports clubs and community organisations. Take a look at our blog The Creating Active Schools Framework Explained.

4) Prioritise inclusion

Schools should ensure that all children, regardless of their ability, have access to high-quality PE and sports activities. This may involve adapting activities to meet the needs of different children, providing specialist equipment or coaching, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Check out our inclusion resources.

5) Monitor and evaluate progress

Schools should regularly monitor and evaluate their progress in delivering high-quality PE and sports activities. This may involve collecting data on participation rates, pupil outcomes, and feedback from staff and pupils. Schools can then use this information to make improvements and adjust their approach as necessary. Why not use our Youth Voice and storytelling resources to support this. You could also have a look at how the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey can support your school.

Overall, by investing in high-quality PE and sports provision, schools can help to improve the physical health, mental wellbeing, and academic achievement of children and young people, setting them on a path towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.

An Example of How Primary PE and Sport Premium Has Been Used

We visited Shiphay Primary School in Torquay to see how they used its Primary PE and sport premium within the curriculum. From Bikeability to training for the Golden Mile, staff noticed a positive improvement in both the pupils mental and physical wellbeing. Watch this short video:

Further Advice and Guidance of Primary PE and Sport Premium

PE and sport premium for primary schools

This is the official guidance on how much PE and sport premium funding schools receive and advice on how it should be spent.

AfPE’s Advice on Primary PE and Sport Premium

AfPE provides up to date templates for reporting and guidance on how to spend the PE and sport premium.

Youth Sport Trust’s Primary PE and sport premium resources

The Youth Sport Trust provides downloadable resources and toolkits to help you spend the premium effectively.

If you would like more support from us or have some best practice to share, please contact the Early Life team by emailing schools@activedevon.org. Or you can call 01392 925150.