Sports Premium Funding is a vital initiative for primary schools, designed to enhance physical education, physical activity and sport for children in KS1 and beyond. It plays an important role in supporting children’s physical development and encouraging healthy habits from an early age.

Schools receive this funding based on pupil numbers. It supports training teachers and buying equipment. The goal is to improve the quality of PE and sports.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat childhood obesity. It promotes healthy lifestyles and increases sports participation. Schools must use the funding effectively to achieve these goals.

Transparency is key. Schools are required to publish their spending details online. This ensures accountability and encourages best practice.

This guide will explore how Sports Premium Funding can be used in KS1 in primary schools.

What is Sports Premium Funding?

Sports Premium Funding is a government initiative aimed at improving physical education in primary schools. Each school receives funding based on pupil numbers. The funding benefits pupils in Years 1 to 6, targeting those formative years. While the funding applies from Year 1 onwards, many schools choose to invest in resources that support continuity from EYFS into KS1, where appropriate.

The initiative focuses on enhancing PE and sports quality for all children. Schools can purchase new mobile sports equipment and provide staff training.

The main objectives of Sports Premium Funding are:

• Improve physical development, health and mental well-being
• Increase participation in sports activities
• Develop a more inclusive sports curriculum

By focusing on these goals, the funding aims to ensure all children experience high-quality physical education from a young age.

What Can I Spend Sports Premium On in KS1?

Schools have flexibility in choosing how to use their PE and sport premium, but the funding must be directed towards:

• Strengthening the school’s long-term capacity to deliver high-quality PE, sport, and physical activity so that improvements benefit future cohorts.
• Expanding or enhancing the PE, sport, and physical activity opportunities available to children.

Sports Premium funding can be used for resources or initiatives that achieve the following:

• Increase pupils’ engagement in regular physical activity – for example, offering whole-class activities, creating active play zones at break times, or widening the range of sports available.
• Raise the profile of PE and sport across the whole school – such as promoting walking, cycling, or running to school or supporting pupils to motivate their peers to be more active.
• Develop staff expertise in PE and sport – this may include professional development or employing specialist coaches to work alongside school staff.
• Broaden the variety of sports and physical activities offered to pupils – through after-school clubs, links with community providers, or introducing new sports.
• Encourage participation in competitive sport – including inter-school competitions or community-based tournaments.

In KS1, this often means prioritising high-quality environments, resources and adult support that encourage movement, coordination, balance and collaboration through purposeful play.

What Can’t I Spend Sports Premium On?

Schools must ensure the PE and sport premium funding is not used for:

Capital expenditure beyond items that fall below the school’s de minimis threshold.

Replacing or outsourcing core teaching responsibilities, such as hiring coaches to plan or deliver PE lessons that should be funded through the school’s main budget.

Paying for future-year services in advance, including subscriptions or long-term invoices.

Covering statutory national curriculum requirements, such as standard swimming lessons.

Purchasing PE kits for staff.

What Could You Get From Early Excellence With Sports Premium?

Many schools are thinking carefully about how to use their PE and sport premium in the most effective way, and Early Excellence is ready to support you.

Our freestanding outdoor resources all fall below the capital expenditure threshold, making them a compliant and effective use of Sports Premium funding.  Designed specifically for KS1, they support purposeful physical activity through play, helping children develop balance, coordination, strength and confidence while working collaboratively in well-planned outdoor environments.

The following collections are a fantastic way to boost physical activity in your KS1 outdoor area.

• Complete Physical Active Play Collection 3-7yrs
• Outdoor Active Maths Games 3-7yrs
• Outdoor Active Maths Games KS1 Enrichment Collection
• Outdoor Building & Construction Area 3-7yrs
• Building & Construction Resource Collection 3-7yrs
• Building & Construction KS1 Enrichment Collection
• Transport and Building Blocks Collection 3-7yrs
• Set of Platforms and Planks 3-7yrs
• Games Equipment Collection 3-7yrs

These collections are particularly well suited to KS1 outdoor provision, where physical development, collaboration and active learning are key curriculum priorities. They create a safe space where KS1 children can build confidence and develop key gross motor skills.

You can read more about supporting young children’s motor skill development in our Gross Motor Skills blog and our Fine Motor Skills blog.

Reporting, Accountability, and Best Practice

Schools must show how they use Sports Premium Funding. Transparent reporting helps ensure accountability. Schools are required to publish these details annually on their websites.

Effective reporting involves more than just numbers. Schools should describe activities and their impact on children’s physical activity levels. This demonstrates responsible fund use and the value it brings.

Consider these best practice for reporting and accountability:

• Provide detailed descriptions of funded Programmes
• Highlight improvements in children’s participation and well-being
• Include testimonials from children and teachers

For KS1, schools may also wish to reference how funding supports physical development outcomes, engagement in active play, and improvements in confidence and coordination.

Using these practice helps maintain transparency and trust. It also encourages schools to carefully consider how funds are allocated. Schools can therefore ensure the sustained success of their sports programmes.

School Sports Premium Funding 2025: What was New?

The School Sports Premium Funding initiative continues to evolve. For 2025, updates were designed to enhance its effectiveness. These changes focused on broadening accessibility and inclusivity in sports.

Key elements of the 2025 funding included:

• Increased emphasis on mental health initiatives
• Expanded resources for disability-inclusive sports
• Enhanced partnerships with local sports clubs

These updates underscore the importance of inclusive sports environments. They encourage schools to adopt broader, more inclusive approaches. By doing so, schools can offer diverse sports opportunities, ensuring every child reaps the benefits of physical activity.

Building Sustainable and Inclusive PE Programmes

Creating sustainable PE programmes is crucial for lasting impact. Schools should focus on developing adaptable strategies that evolve over time. These programmes must cater to diverse childrens needs, promoting inclusivity.

Key components of sustainable PE programmes include:

• Inclusive activities for all abilities
• Partnerships with local sports providers
• Ongoing teacher training and development

By implementing these strategies, schools ensure every child engages in physical activity. This approach not only fosters an inclusive environment but also lays the foundation for lifelong fitness habits. Engaging community partnerships also strengthens programme sustainability, benefiting children well beyond the classroom.

Conclusion: Creating a Lasting Legacy with Sports Premium Funding

Sports Premium Funding represents more than just a financial boost for schools. It’s a strategic investment in the health and well-being of young children. By using these funds wisely, schools not only improve physical education today but also lay the groundwork for future generations.

Ensuring the effective use of the funding extends its benefits beyond immediate needs. With thoughtful planning, schools can maintain high-quality PE and sports programmes that continue to enhance children’s lives. Through dedication and innovation, a lasting legacy of active, healthy lifestyles can be achieved.

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