You can see a copy of the letter below:

Dear Secretary of State,

I am writing on behalf of the thousands of schools and sector partners who work with the Youth Sport Trust to seek urgent clarity on the continuation of the primary PE and Sport Premium funding.

Since its introduction in 2013, the primary PE and Sport Premium has helped teachers to confidently develop young people’s physical literacy and enabled primary schools to improve and extend the formative experiences of Physical Education and sport for children

As young people start their return to school, sport and Physical Education will have a vital role to play in helping them to recover from some of the consequences of the lockdown – rebuilding self-confidence, regaining fitness and supporting wider wellbeing. The challenge faced by schools is likely to be greater than ever before. Sport England’s recent data showed that almost one in three children have been less physically active during lockdown and one in ten have done no physical activity at all.

It is essential that there is a public narrative about the importance of children’s health and wellbeing, and that schools are being encouraged and resourced to deliver the very best and most inclusive programme of Physical Education and sport. The uncertainty over whether this vital £320 million fund will continue just weeks from the end of this academic year is actively undermining the ability of primary schools to plan their provision from September.

At a time of so much uncertainty, the confirmation of the primary PE and Sport Premium would not only send a message about the importance of young people’s health and wellbeing at this time but will also help schools do the very best for children.

Thank you for your support in these challenging times.

Yours sincerely,

Ali Oliver

Chief Executive, Youth Sport Trust