The primary PE and sport premium from a staff perspective

Educators Perspectives on the Value of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Fundamental Movement Skills for Early Years Foundation Stage Children in England

“…“I think people would welcome that [interventions] in schools a lot, because it is an area people are probably weaker on” Sarah (T), and “for me to do it [the intervention] and get feedback” Melissa (T). Previous work by Lawless et al, [ 21 ], concluded that more confident and knowledgeable staff were needed to implement interventions in primary education. Suggestions by our educators for suitable training opportunities are potentially low cost and achievable, given the availability and accessibility of digital platforms.…”

“…Moreover, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reported an 8% decrease in spending per pupil between 2009/10 to 2019/20, due to higher class sizes and reduced teacher numbers, resulting in lower-quality education [ 19 ]. Although primary PE and sport premium funding has increased during this time [ 20 ], there is still a decreased commitment to provide more or better quality PE provision within school environments, with a continued increased emphasis on improving academic attainment [ 21 ]. An important consideration is that the EYFS is only provided with a statutory framework.…”

Most People Hate Physical Education and Most Drop Out of Physical Activity: In Search of Credible Curriculum Alternatives

“…Improving PA rates amongst children is repeatedly targeted and well documented in various health strategies around the globe because of an increasing Western "obesity epidemic" [51]. In England, the National Health Service (2018, [52]) established that 20% of children aged 10-11 years old were classed as obese with rising levels for children across the primary school years. Despite the various initiatives, however, there is currently limited research into their value and the forcing of activity upon children may well only serve to have the same impact that other types of PA have yielded.…”

“…If the aim is to promote physical activity within the school and eventually throughout the child's lifespan, then perhaps the answer can be found in variety and alternatives. The notion that giving children the chance to take part in many different activities in the hope that they will find something they enjoy is something of an ideal [52,53]. There is evidence to suggest the sampling of different physical activities, or sporting activities, is linked to a longer sporting career and has positive implications for long-term PA involvement [52,53].…”

“…The notion that giving children the chance to take part in many different activities in the hope that they will find something they enjoy is something of an ideal [52,53]. There is evidence to suggest the sampling of different physical activities, or sporting activities, is linked to a longer sporting career and has positive implications for long-term PA involvement [52,53]. Just how different could and should PE become, though, and what alternatives are on offer?…”