To mark the launch of our annual PE and School Sport report, Rachel Taylor MP – who chairs the APPG for Sport and Physical Activity – hosted a roundtable in Parliament to digest and respond to the latest findings. This year’s report showed:

• 2.1 million young people in England do less than an average of 30 minutes of physical activity per day
• Just 46% of young people are active for 30 minutes during the school day
• PE is the most frequently cancelled subject in schools
• Only 57% of teachers say their school delivers the recommended minimum of two hours of PE each week
• One in three young people spend at least three hours per day on screens outside schoolwork, with this figure predicted to rise to almost half of young people by 2035

At the roundtable, Youth Sport Trust’s Head of Research and Insight Amanda Vernalls gave an overview of the report before young people from two schools in Rachel’s constituency responded by sharing their insights and experiences. Their reflections brought to life many of the challenges identified within the report and ideas for improving opportunities to participate and experiences.

We were also delighted to be joined by voices from across the sector including Baroness Sater (Co-Chair of the APPG for Sport and Physical Activity), Lisa Mills (Headteacher at Drayton Manor High School), Danika Williams (PE Lead at Peartree Primary School), Liz Aitken (Head of Children and Young People, Sport England) and Jack Baker (Head of Public Policy and Sustainability, LTA.)

Points shared across the roundtable included the role sport can play in bringing people together, helping with the development of essential skills such as resilience, leadership and teamwork, the development of positive relationships, but also highlighted the need for relatable role models. Meanwhile there was specific concern that opportunities to be active at school are often reduced around exam season, when some of the benefits are most needed.

Some of the ideas put forward within the room to help increase young people’s physical activity levels included:

• Strengthening existing guidance so schools are mandated to provide at least 2 hours of PE each week
• Making sure strategy is joined up across schools and communities
• Targeting funding for facilities based on areas of need and the activities young people want to participate in
• Refocusing the PE curriculum so the emphasis is on encouraging more children and young people to be active
• Delivering a campaign to raise awareness of the recommended 60 active minutes a day

Summing up the event, Youth Sport Trust CEO Ali Oliver MBE spoke of the need for a change in culture, where the importance of PE and school sport is embedded through a nation of active and well schools. Linked to this should be greater engagement with young people, responding to the challenges and opportunities they identify so opportunities to be active reflect their motivations and interests.

MPs add support to National School Sports Week campaign

Meanwhile, MPs from across the political spectrum attended a drop-in event in support of National School Sports Week. The annual campaign, led by Youth Sport Trust and this year powered by Sports Direct and Everlast, is inviting schools, organisations and communities across the UK to get moving together, inspired by a landmark year of global sport.

MPs who joined us had the opportunity to speak with our CEO Ali Oliver MBE, and former England Netball captain Ama Agbeze MBE, who is also a Youth Sport Trust Athlete Mentor.

Attendees included Dame Caroline Dinenage (Chair) and Jeff Smith, who sit on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. We were also joined by Shadow Sport Minister Louie French, and Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education, Children and Young People.

MPs were given information about current activity in their constituencies including the schools registered to take part in National School Sports Week, the local School Games Organisers, recipients of the School Games Mark and more. We are encouraging MPs to be part of National School Sports Week by inviting local schools to sign up, and attending activity taking place in their constituencies during the week itself.

• If you’re an MP, find out how you can support National School Sports Week.
• If you’re based at a school, find out how you can invite your MP to be part of your activities.

It was exciting to have two events taking place in Parliament highlighting the importance of PE, school sport and play. We will continue to grow our engagement and advocacy with the ambition of building a future where every child can access the life-changing benefits of play and sport.