Doncaster charity is fighting for clarity on sports funding post pandemic

On the back of the Telegraph’s reports that ‘around one in 10 children reported doing no daily activity at all during the lockdown,’ Active Fusion a Doncaster based charity is now one of many organisations looking for clarity on School Premium funding for the next academic year.

Other organisations include Youth Sport Trust, as well as schools and multi-academy trusts (MAT).

Director of Active Fusion, Lindsy James, said: “I am passionate about addressing the decline in physical and mental wellbeing for our children locally, especially as we recover from the pandemic.

“We need urgent clarity on the continuation of PE and Sports funding for schools to enable schools to have the ability to plan for a positive return for children in September.”

The funding has been available to schools to improve the quality of Physical Education, to help develop sporting opportunities for all, and to raise the levels of physical activity in line with the Chief Medical Officers' recommendations of one hour a day for all children.

Lindsay says that it is viewed as being an important part of the government’s School Sport Action Plan and Childhood Obesity Plan and that they’re extremely concerned with the lack of clarity provided regarding this funding.

They estimated that during the pandemic, activity levels amongst children have fallen by over 25% and say that the impact on children’s physical and mental health is potentially catastrophic.

This funding can have a significant impact on a school’s ability to re-integrate children in physical activity and to address some of the overwhelming challenges currently faced by the education sector.

Active Fusion has adapted their provisions to allow schools to access their resources during the pandemic, including virtual lessons and competitions for children to take part in.

The charity wants to see more organisations rally together and seek answers for the funding, which could hugely affect those who work in physical education and coaching.

Lindsy added: “I call for support during these challenging times to help schools to continue to do their best for children during this critical time.”

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