House of Commons · Westminster Hall
23 March 2022 · 5 other contributors · 9,553 words
Opened by Edward Timpson Con Crewe and Nantwich
Responding minister: Will Quince
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Edward Timpson raised concerns about physical education in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Timpson calls for making physical education a core subject in schools, emphasizing its potential to improve academic performance, social skills, and overall well-being. He requests that the Government address issues related to curriculum time, assessment challenges, recruitment of qualified teachers, and the quality of PE teaching at primary level.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Edward Timpson is concerned about the decline in physical fitness and mental health among children in England. He cites data showing that almost a third of children are doing less than 30 minutes of activity daily, with girls and children from deprived backgrounds being particularly affected. He also notes an increase in obese children and referrals to mental health services since the pandemic, along with evidence suggesting PE is being sidelined by some schools.
Highlights the need to combat childhood obesity, supports the debate on ensuring all children have access to opportunities for sports, team skills, and social benefits. Suggests that this will benefit particularly those from deprived backgrounds.
Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of physical education in preventing obesity, drawing on his personal experience as a type 2 diabetic. He noted that schools should encourage all children to participate in PE, including those who are less sporty or initially reluctant, and cited examples from Northern Ireland where initiatives such as the 'daily mile' were enthusiastically adopted by pupils. Shannon also emphasized the role of parents and local sports clubs in engaging children in physical activities.
He expressed concern about childhood obesity in Stoke-on-Trent and Kidsgrove, highlighting that 27.7% of children were overweight or obese in 2019-20. He mentioned the closure of Kidsgrove sports centre and its recent refurbishment due to town deal funding. Gullis also discussed local initiatives such as a pump track at Newchapel Rec and a FIFA-standard 3G astroturf pitch, funded through the town deal. He advocated for long-term settlement of PE and sport premium funding to support businesses like Bee Active, which provides innovative approaches to physical education.
The MP discussed the importance of physical education (PE) in schools, arguing that it should be a core subject to address health issues and promote lifelong habits. She highlighted the benefits of PE for both physical and mental health, including skills such as perseverance and teamwork.
Stephen Morgan highlighted the importance of physical education and sport in the curriculum. He expressed concern about the impact of the pandemic on children's access to organised team sports and physical activity, noting that only 45% of children achieved the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity as per Sport England's survey.
Government Response
Will QuinceAcknowledged the importance of physical education, highlighting its role in building confidence, camaraderie, teamwork, leadership skills, and academic performance. Discussed inconsistencies in PE delivery due to teacher confidence issues and outsourcing, emphasizing a commitment to supporting effective use of school sports facilities and investing in primary school PE teaching. Announced £30 million annually for opening up school sports facilities and measures to promote high-quality PE. Mentioned the primary PE and sport premium introduced in 2013 with funding of £1.6 billion since then, doubling to £320 million a year since 2017. Confirmed commitment to expanding holiday activities and food programme, aiming for a daily mile nation and exploring a summer activity challenge.