Opening School Facilities Funding
Phase 3 - 2022 to 2025 - (This funding period is now closed)
On International Women's Day, Wednesday 8th March 2023, the Government set out new standards for equal access to sports, making it clear that girls and boys should be offered the same sports during PE and extracurricular time in schools.
As well as the continuation of the PE and Sport Premium funding until 2025, extended funding for School Games Organisers and a refreshed School Sport Action Plan, there will be up to £57 million funding for the Opening School Facilities programme - to open up more school sport facilities outside of school hours especially targeted at girls, disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs.
We are so delighted that schools in Luton and Bedfordshire will have the opportunity to benefit from further Government investment to help them open up their facilities for the benefit of community sport and physical activity. Be Active is passionate about inspiring people to move more; and access to safe and appropriate facilities is key to this mission. We have a team managing this three year investment to ensure that it supports the community where it is needed most and where it meets the programmes priorities.
Objectives of the OSF Programme
a) To support schools to open their facilities outside of the normal school day (evenings, weekends, and holidays) to allow children & young people and the wider community to access more opportunities to be physically active.
b) To open school swimming pools, focusing on swimming and water safety lessons, both during and outside the school day for pupils at their school and for pupils at other local schools, and community organisations
c) Participants are provided with a range of stimulating and enjoyable opportunities to take part in physical activity and sport in addition to that experienced within PE lessons and extra-curricular activities. This means NEW and additional extra-curricular activities are eligible.
The benefits for Schools Taking Part in This Programme
Participating schools have benefitted in many ways;
- The schools received an amount of funding to purchase equipment, cover costs of facility hire, pay for session leaders, CPD and leadership training of volunteers and much more
- Schools are receiving support from us at Be Active to help the facilitation of opening their school premises outside of the school day to deliver both new extra-curricular and out of school hours community sessions that benefit young people and adults in the community. This support will continue until at least March 31st 2025
- Schools have developed a sustainable business model from hiring their facilities to external organisations at affordable rates
- Young people have benefitted from having greater access and opportunities to take part in activities after school, at weekends and during holidays in their local area
Can Your School Take Part in This Programme?
Funding for Opening School Facilities Phase 3 has now ended.
Contacts
If you would like to find out more about this phase of Opening School Facilities funding, please contact:
