Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that extra-curricular activities such as team games, art, music, drama and adventure challenges are encouraged and appropriately funded in schools.

We have high aspirations for all children. To enable all young people to realise their potential we want schools to help ensure they are well-rounded, confident, resilient and happy. Schools must provide opportunities and encourage their pupils to develop a wider set of skills to help them not only exceed at school, but prepare them to go on to contribute positively to the economy and to society as fully engaged citizens.

Schools are a fantastic asset in local communities, and we are encouraging schools to extend their childcare offer to parents. We have simplified the rules and aligned staffing requirements for before/after school care and holiday provision. This makes it easier for schools to offer extra-curricular activities out of school hours.

As part of Ofsted school inspections, inspectors will consider how schools supplement the formal curriculum with extra-curricular opportunities for pupils to extend their knowledge and understanding and improve their skills in a range of artistic, creative and sporting activities.

Through the primary PE and sport premium, over £300 million of ring-fenced funding was paid direct to schools across academic years 2013/14 and 2014/15 to improve PE and sport. The Government has committed to continue this funding of £150 million a year until 2020. Independent research found that over 70% of schools used the funding to provide more extra-curricular activities and offer a wider range of sports. Schools also made changes to the costs of extra-curricular PE and sports – a third of these reduced the costs to attend, and a fifth made some clubs free to attend.

The department has invested over £460 million from 2012-2016 in a diverse portfolio of music and arts education programmes that are designed to improve access to the arts for all children regardless of their background and to develop talent across the country. This includes support for music education hubs which provides opportunities for children and young people to play in ensembles and develop singing strategies.

Over £450,000 has been provided to Debate Mate across three academic years to support their programme of after-school debate clubs. Debate Mate clubs are aimed at disadvantaged young people in years 5-10 and aim to encourage personal empowerment, increase academic achievement and develop life skills.