A headteacher has praised the government for taking a step in the “right direction”, by doubling sports funding in primary schools.

Every primary school in England is set to receive the extra money from the Primary PE and School Sport Premium funding by the end of the month, which will go towards training for teachers, more varied activities and new equipment for pupils.

John Morris OBE, headteacher of Ardleigh Green Junior School, Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, said the extra funding will benefit its swimming programme which has become a key department at the school.

He said: “It is fantastic that the people in sport are giving the extra money to help schools like ours continue to provide our pupils with the best equipment and teaching.

“It’s great to know we are getting the support we need and things are moving in the right direction to help schools progress.”

The Youth Sport Trust (YST), a children’s charity on a mission to unlock young people’s potential through the power of sport, works with more than 6,000 primary schools and has been supporting many to help ensure the funding boost has the maximum long-term impact.

According to the Department for Education’s latest report, the average primary school could see up to £18,750 extra sports funding to help bring PE lessons into the 21st century.

Chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust, Ali Oliver said: “There is so much potential for what schools can achieve with this extra funding – it presents the best chance we have in a generation to really transform PE and harness its potential to improve children’s wellbeing.

“We know that for all the training a primary school teacher receives, they often get very little guidance on how to educate their pupils in and through movement, exercise and physical activity.

“Children’s first formative experiences of PE at primary school has an impact which can last a lifetime.

“Get it right and we will transform the life chances of a generation.”

Mr Morris added: “Funding in schools is so desperately needed so I hope more funding will also soon be allocated in other areas.”

For more information on how the Youth Sport Trust can help primary schools, visit here