PE and sport
ContinYou and the Youth Sport Trust work in partnership to support the development of PE, school sport and out-of-school-hours learning (oshl), also known as study support.
This work supports sports colleges and school sports partnerships in the first instance with the delivery of the PE, School Sport and Club Links Strategy (PESSCL); this is designed to enable the Public Service Agreement (PSA) target for 2008 and the recently announced five hour ambition for 2010.
Background
From an early age, patterns of positive behavior can be established through participation in physical activity. Physical activity can develop communication and language techniques, co-ordination, co-operation and social skills among young children. It is essential for the development of basic movement skills for a lifelong involvement in physical activity.
Physical education (PE) and sport therefore play an important role in school life.
It can help to raise standards, improve behavior and health, increase attendance, and develop social skills, thus contributing to whole-school improvement. Most oshl/study support programmes in schools include different levels of PE and sports.
In recognising these benefits, the English government has invested significant funding in the PE, School Sport and Club Links Strategy (PESSCL). This includes the development of a national infrastructure to support the development of PE and school sport through sports colleges and school sport partnerships.
School Sport Co-ordinator Programme and School Sports Partnerships
School Sport Partnerships (SSPs) are families of schools that come together to enhance sports opportunities for all. They are made up of a specialist sports college (usually forming the hub), approximately eight secondary schools and their respective clusters of primary or special schools. The partnership receives an annual grant to enable an infrastructure of support to be established. Since September 2006, all grant maintained schools in England are part of a School Sport Partnership.
Partnership Development Manager (PDM)
A full-time role usually based within a sports college. They manage the SSP and develop strategic links with key partners in sport and the wider community.
School Sport Co-ordinator (SSCo)
Based in a secondary school and concentrates on improving school sport opportunities, including out-of-school-hours learning, intra and inter-school competition and club links, across a family of schools.
Based in primary and special schools and aim to improve the quantity and quality of PE and sport in their own schools.
Specialist Link Teacher (SLT)
For every two secondary schools the partnership is able to appoint a Specialist Link Teacher (an additional qualified PE teacher) to fill the gaps created by releasing the School Sport Co-ordinators.
For more information on sports colleges, school sport partnerships and the innovative programmes being developed to support the participation of young people in PE and school sport, visit: www.youthsporttrust.org.
Sports colleges and school sport partnerships can access a unique oshl resource provided through the Youth Sport Trust’s School Sport Xchange. This includes relevant case studies, resources, and funding information for the development of school sport and oshl. Access the Xchange via the above link.
PE, school sport and national agendas
PE and school sport can make a significant contribution to a range of prevalent national agendas, all striving to support the underpinning framework of Every Child Matters and thus improve the achievement of young people.
Furthermore, it can contribute to: the Healthy Schools Programme; Youth Matters (Positive Activities for Young People); Education Outside the Classroom; Personalised Learning; Community Cohesion.
Download Study support: a national framework for extending learning opportunities to read more.
Click on the links in the left-hand menu to access useful websites, resources and further information on related programmes.
For more information, email Natalie Smith.
