Physical Education In Primary Schools

EDM number 771 in 1991-92, proposed by Tom Pendry on 27/02/1992.

That this House welcomes the publication of the survey conducted by the Central Council for Physical Recreation and National Association of Head Teachers into physical education in primary schools; notes with alarm the survey's findings that 56 per cent. of all schools covered by the survey do not believe that, with current staffing levels and resources, they can deliver the National Curriculum for physical education; is concerned that of all teachers responsible for physical education, only 8 per cent. have formal physical education qualifications; is dismayed that a quarter of the schools do not have access to safe off-site swimming pools; believes that this seriously jeopardises the opportunities for young schoolchildren to benefit from sport and physical education in schools; strongly supports the provision of a prominent and appropriate place for sport and physical association within the school curriculum, together with an adequate supply of physical education teachers; and calls on the Government to enter into immediate discussions with teachers' organisations, professional associations, employers and training institutions to agree a comprehensive package of training and support for physical education in primary schools.

This motion has been signed by a total of 51 MPs.