Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 4th July

Ofsted recently published a report 'Going the extra mile: Excellence in competitive school sport' warning that too many pupils are being denied the chance to take part in competitive sport and that it is often treated as an 'optional extra' – a clear wake up call.

As Ofsted's report shows, there is much that needs to be done to increase standards and opportunities within all schools.  This is a subject I have raised repeatedly in Parliament.  Sport is crucial for young people: healthy active lifestyles, raising skill and confidence, teamwork and nurturing a new generation of athletes.

The Government is rightly taking action: We have made a long-term commitment to the annual £150m ring-fenced funding to boost primary school sport provision; roughly the equivalent of an extra 2 days a week of a Primary Teacher or Sports Coach's time. We have contributed £51m towards the excellent 'School Games' programme. We have increased funding to deliver an extra 240 primary PE specialists, to take up post September 2015, to provide vital sporting expertise in schools.Our 'Troops to Teachers' programme fast-tracking former service personal to help fill the shortage of PE teachers.

I also have been pressing further.  I would like to see public owned state schools offering their facilities for free to local sports groups who offer sessions for children after school.  This would both benefit both children and busy parents.  It seems odd that when volunteers are prepared to give up their time to organise constructive activities for children, we would then seek to charge them for the privilege.

Thankfully in Swindon the picture is more positive.  Last Friday I helped open the 3rd annual 'Swindon School Games', alongside Team GB athlete Lesley Owusu.  Like the Olympics, the opening ceremony came alive thanks to excellent musical performances from Commonweal School Band and the dancers from Wroughton School's modern dance group.  In spite of the wet weather we saw a fantastic day's celebration of school sport for primary and secondary schools, held at Lydiard Park Academy, Link Centre and Delta Tennis Centre, with hundreds of children competing in a variety of sports.  This shows that with the right efforts, sport can play a key role in the school programme and the success of the 'Swindon School Games' is a tribute to the work of our local schools, volunteers and sporting groups.

I have fond memories of sport when I was growing up.  I was always proud to represent my school, whether it was football, cricket or athletics, though it was fair to say my school didn't need a trophy cabinet – all character-building stuff!  I'll continue to do what I can so today's children can benefit and enjoy the opportunities of competitive sport.