Your 2023 Sports Premium: Deadline Approaching

Did you know that primary schools across the UK are eligible to receive PE and Sport Premium funding?

If you're feeling uncertain, just like many others, about where you can use this funding and what qualifies, you've landed in the perfect spot! This article is here to answer all your burning questions about Sports Premium, ensuring that you're well-informed about the best ways to make the most of your budget.

The amount of funding you get depends on the number of primary-aged children (that's between 5 and 11 years old) in your school. The funding amount has changed a bit in the past, but for the 2022/23 school year, If your school has 16 or fewer pupils, you'll receive ￡1,000 per pupil. And for schools with 17 or more pupils, you'll get ￡16,000 plus an extra ￡10 for each additional pupil. This funding aims to boost the quality and availability of PE and sports activities for all primary school children!?

Who’s eligible?

Most schools with primary-age pupils receive the PE and sport premium in the academic year 2022 to 2023. This includes various types of schools, such as those maintained by the local authority, academies (including free schools), special schools designed for children with special educational needs or disabilities, non-maintained special schools, city technology colleges (CTCs), pupil referral units, as well as general hospitals. Find out more about eligibility here.

What are the aims of the funding?

The primary objectives of the Sports Premium funding are multifaceted. It emphasises the improvement of physical education and promoting an active lifestyle among primary school children. The main goals include increasing physical activity and creating a sustainable and long-lasting sports environment for future pupils.

Sports Premium spending

Primary schools have the freedom to determine how to best utilise the Sports Premium funding to meet the goals. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the funding can be spent on various aspects, including:

Involve the entire class in targeted activities. Creating a dedicated spaces for active play during break times, and expand the range of sports and play opportunities available to all children. Installing permanent, long-lasting sports and fitness equipment is one of the best ways to achieve this. The word sustainable appears regularly in government guidelines, emphasising the need for improvements to benefit maximum children both now and in the future.

Enhances the overall reputation of the school through the promotion of sports and PE: By encouraging pupils to cycle, walk, or run to school and supporting them in motivating their peers to be physically active, Sports Premium funding not only contributes to the improvement of the school but also enhances its overall reputation.

Staff training and professional development: You can use the funding to upskill teachers, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to deliver high-quality PE lessons and support student progress.

Extracurricular activities and community engagement: The funding can support the establishment of after-school clubs, intra- and inter-school competitions, and partnerships with local sports organisations to broaden the sporting opportunities available to children.

When is the deadline?

Schools must be conscious of the approaching deadline for spending their Sports Premium funding. The Government recently announced that all sports premium funding must be spent by the 31st of July 2023.

How can we help you?

With Playdale’s exceptional lead times, we can deliver a complete playground plan within just 10 days and your new playground can be installed over the summer ready for the new academic year!

Our knowledgeable Playgrounds Sales Team can advise you on spending your Sports Premium budget.?They want to help you make the best decisions for your school and the future. We’re happy to assist you! Contact us now to arrange?a meeting with your dedicated Playdale Area Manager here.

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