One Dance UK responds: Government announces investment in PE and school sport

This week’s announcement from Government of more than £1bn investment in PE and school sport in England over the next three years marks a significant moment for children and young people’s physical activity, wellbeing and education.

The plans include investment in a new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, capital funding for facilities, transitional support for primary schools and continued funding for School Games Organisers.

At One Dance UK, we welcome the recognition that a modern approach to PE and school sport must improve access, inclusion and wellbeing for all young people, particularly girls, disabled children and young people, those with SEND, and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Dance has a unique and valuable role to play in this vision. We have always championed dance as both physical and creative. That is its superpower. Dance supports physical health, mental wellbeing, confidence, self-expression, social connection and creativity, while also engaging many children and young people who may not identify with traditional sport.

We are thrilled to be contributing to the development of an updated PE curriculum with the Department for Education, and we are proud to continue our strong relationships with partners across the sector including afPE, Youth Sport Trust and others working to strengthen PE, physical activity and school sport.

We welcome the Government’s investment and recognition of the importance of this agenda and will continue working to ensure dance is represented, understood and accessible within PE and school sport for every child and young person.