The 'PE and Sport Premium' funding is a government initiative designed to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to lead healthy and active lives. Recognising the importance of a positive experience in sports and physical activities, the funding aims to establish a lifelong habit of participation, aligning with the government's vision for a world-class education system.

Engaging in physical activity not only contributes to the physical health of children and young people but also enhances their mental well-being. It has been linked to increased self-esteem, emotional well-being, and a decrease in anxiety and depression. Physically active children tend to be happier, more resilient, and display greater trust in their peers. Moreover, providing pupils with sufficient daily activity can have broader benefits for both individuals and schools, positively impacting behaviour and academic achievement.

In line with the School Sport and Activity Action Plan, the government is committed to ensuring that children and young people have access to a minimum of 60 minutes of sport and physical activity daily, with a recommended 30 minutes delivered during the school day. This aligns with the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines advocating for an average of at least 60 minutes per day throughout the week.

The PE and Sport Premium empowers primary schools to work towards this objective by making additional and sustainable improvements to the quality of PE, physical activity, and sports programs. Directly allocated to schools, this funding offers flexibility, allowing them to tailor its use to best suit the needs of their pupils. 

The government believes in granting headteachers and school leaders the autonomy to decide how to utilise the funding for PE and Sports in their schools. Accountability for these decisions is maintained through:

1. Performance Outcomes: Evaluating the performance outcomes of all pupils in comparison to their peers.
2. Ofsted Inspection Framework: Inspectors focus on the attainment of pupil groups, particularly in areas where specific funding has been allocated.
3. Online Reports: Schools are required to publish reports online for parents, providing transparency about the use and impact of the PE and Sport Premium.