UK government cuts £320m primary sports premium, introduces £193m scheme

The Story

The Guardian reports that the UK government cut an annual £320m sports premium for primary schools in England, replacing it with a £193m scheme that covers secondary schools as well. The cut came days before closing a consultation on children’s social media use. Primary school leaders expressed unhappiness about the haste of the change.

Key Facts

• The government cut an annual £320m sports premium for primary schools in England.
• A new scheme worth £193m will cover secondary schools and involve outside clubs and coaches.
• Primary school leaders are unhappy, particularly about the haste of the change.
• Bodies including Sport England are more supportive, as their role is set to grow.
• The reduction in dedicated funding for primary-school sports comes amid expert views that childhood obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges and high concern about screen use impacts.
• New guidance recommends that children under two should not use screens at all except for joint activities with adults.
• Further restrictions on older children are expected soon, with a possible complete ban on under-16s using social media following legislation in Australia.
• Other options include tighter regulation of personalised algorithms and limits on “addictive” features like infinite scroll and autoplay.
• Earlier this year the Department of Health and Social Care rowed with Bridget Phillipson’s team over a proposal to axe a £60m yearly contribution to PE funding; the cut was reversed after protests including from athlete Mo Farah.
• Last year’s curriculum review recommended modest changes to PE teaching, focusing on inclusivity and avoiding upheaval.
• An upcoming report from Alan Milburn about the 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds not in jobs or education is expected to demand a reset and criticise time young people spend alone.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

The exact structure and implementation details of the new £193m scheme beyond involving outside clubs and coaches.

Misconceptions

No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.

Key Figures

• Bridget Phillipson (responsible for special educational needs reform and oversight of equality law)
• Steph Peacock (sports minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
• Mo Farah (athlete who protested a proposed cut to PE funding)
• Alan Milburn (author of an upcoming report on young people not in jobs or education)

Sources: The Guardian