Lack of funding for PE criticised

The physical education grant for primary schools announced by Minister Michael Woods is "totally unrealistic", INTO general secretary designate John Carr has said.

Speaking at a conference on physical education in primary schools recently, Carr called for improved resourcing for primary schools and criticised the "low amount" of the annual physical education grant, which currently stands at £1,000 for primary schools in disadvantaged areas and £500 for all other primary schools.

"It does not take a genius to establish that this is yet another smokescreen by another Minister who continues to take the goodwill and selfless generosity of teachers and parents for granted in cherishing the children of the nation," he said. Teachers are working "completely against the odds" in implementing PE programmes he said, and cited a recent INTO survey indicating 78 per cent of primary schools report they cannot fully implement the PE programmes due to inadequate space.

The survey also found that 67 per cent of schools still need additional of replacement PE equipment, even though they have been in receipt of the new grant funding since September 2000.

"Every primary school should have, as a minimum requirement, a general purposes room and adequate PE facilities to ensure that the physical education programme can be implemented irrespective of weather conditions. Primary schools should also have access to adequate and appropriate PE equipment in order to fully implement the physical education programme," Carr said.

Launching the conference, Minister Woods said obtaining the funding for the PE grants was "one of my first acts as Minister."

In addition to the funds, the Primary Schools Sports Initiative includes a task force to promote sport and healthy lifestyles among primary school children. A national sports co-ordinator and two assistants have been appointed, he said.

"This initiative, together with the revised primary curriculum will enhance PE provision in our primary schools."

Woods also announced that a pilot project on the new primary school PE syllabus would be launched in selected schools next year. The new PE syllabus is due to be rolled out from September 2004 and in-service provision will begin in 2003.