Information

National Context

In 2002, DCSF and DCMS launched the National PE, School Sport and Club Links (PESSCL) Strategy and began to transform the landscape of PE and sport in schools. Through it, we have created a structure in Gateshead that enables more children and young people to take part in a wider range of sports for more time.

The dramatic impact of the strategy in Gateshead is clear with 25% more of our young people (5-16 year olds) participating in 2 hours of High Quality PE and school sport:

  • Create a new '5 hour offer' for all 5-16 year olds. We will continue to increase the number of 5-16 year olds taking part in at least two hours high quality PE and sport at school each week; and create new opportunities for them to participate in a further three hours each week of sporting activity, through school, voluntary and community providers;
  • Create new opportunities for all 16-19 years olds to participate in three hours each week of sporting activities through their colleges or in local clubs.

The new Government PE & Sport Strategy for Young People - building on the previous PESSCL strategy - wants to go further and ensure that sport becomes a natural part of every young person's life, not only during their school years, but also into their college and working lives. So they are investing at least £755 million over the next three years, to 2011, to extend the Strategy.