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Physical education delivery hits 96%

Record number of schools meeting physical education target.

New National Statistics released today (Tuesday 17 June) show that 96 per cent of Scottish schools are now meeting the target of delivering two hours, or two periods, of physical education each week to pupils, with 98 per cent expecting to be on target by August.

The figure has risen from 89 per cent last year, and just 10 per cent in 2004/05, as more schools across the country meet the national target.

This year’s survey of local authorities also asked whether schools not currently hitting the target will meet it from the start of the new school year. Survey results show 98 per cent of schools expect to meet the target from this August.

The figures come as COSLA and Cabinet Secretary for Sport, Shona Robison, jointly published the new Sport Strategy for Children and Young People – Giving Children and Young People a Sporting Chance – that is backed by almost £6 million of investment over 2014-16. The Strategy sets out a plan to ensure that Scotland is a great environment for children and young people to embark on lifelong participation in sport.

Speaking at the launch of the East Lothian Primary Games, Ms Robison, said: “Today’s figures highlight the excellent progress that is being made across Scottish schools. In 2004/05 only 10 per cent of schools were meeting the recommended target of two hours, or two periods, of PE each week. Now we are at an outstanding 96 per cent, and we expect that to rise to 98 per cent by August, with just 41 schools still to meet the target out of 2419 schools across Scotland.

“Scotland is striving to become a healthier, more active nation and we will continue to work with COSLA, Education Scotland, and sportscotland to build on this performance.”

Investment of almost £6 million through Education Scotland and sportscotland between 2014-16 to support delivery of the target was a key feature of the draft Youth Sport Strategy published in December.

Ms Robison added: “I am delighted to launch this strategy. It has been shaped by the Young People’s Sport Panel, and informed by the views of almost 3,000 children and young people.

“The strategy highlights the importance of putting the views of children and young people at the heart of delivery and provides a framework for collaborative working to deliver their sporting aspirations.”

Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing said: “COSLA is delighted to be launching Scotland’s sport strategy for children and young people in partnership with the Scottish Government.

“We want our children and young people to participate in and enjoy sport, but we need to create the right opportunities and we must celebrate their talents and successes. It is our collective responsibility to realise the aim of lifelong participation in sport.

“Councils provide nearly 90 per cent of public sector investment in sport, including the delivery of the community sports hubs. Local authorities and leisure trusts make a huge contribution to the delivery of Scotland’s sport, providing opportunities through a wide range of activities and provision, to achieve better outcomes for our children and young people.”

Notes To Editors

Background

The latest summary statistics for the provision of physical education in schools can be found here:http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/06/9242.

In 2011, the Scottish Government made a commitment to ensure that by 2014, pupils benefit from at least two hours of physical education in primary school and two periods – which is at least 100 minutes – in S1 to S4.

The Scottish Government recognises that at any given time there will always be some schools with acceptable reasons – such as refurbishment works – for difficulty in meeting the target.

Of the 2,419 primary and secondary schools in Scotland, just 106 are currently not meeting the target for PE provision – with 65 expected to meet the goal by the start of the new school year in August leaving just 41 schools still to meet the target.

In order to support the remaining 41 schools to meet the target, we will continue to work closely with key partners in COSLA, Education Scotland, sportscotland and local government to address the issues they face.

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that more schools continue to meet and maintain the national target. Increased physical activity can have a positive impact on a pupil’s health, education attainment, and life chances.

Giving Children and Young People a Sporting Chance, Scotland’s sport strategy for children and young people can be found at the link below, together with a range of material related to the formal consultation and consultation work undertaken with children and young people by Young Scot, the Children’s Parliament and Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent

 

Channel website: http://www.gov.scot/

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