Local MP Alex Cunningham has today criticised the Government’s change of heart when it comes to School Sports Partnerships saying it doesn’t go far enough to repair the damage done – and does nothing to protect our Olympic legacy.
And Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said today that the change ‘raises one cheer at best’ with no clear idea what will happen to school sports following the Olympics in 2012.
Alex said:
“I am pleased for pupils, parents and teachers that their campaigning has influenced the Government. But I am concerned that this is a temporary fix from a Government that was taken aback by the angry reaction to the decision to scrap School Sports Partnerships.
The funding has only partially been saved and that means that lots of children will still miss out on the opportunities presented by this very successful scheme. In 2002, around 25% of young people did 2 or more hours of sport per week. Now more than 90% do. My worry is this figure will start to fall if the Coalition has its way.
Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, has said head teachers will have funds to invest in sport after next year – but it is a meagre amount and will not go very far in promoting participation in sport in the months running up to the 2012 London Olympics. Clearly he doesn’t believe our children should share in the Olympic legacy. ”