PETITION calls for ring fenced protection for physical education as schools face a widening funding gap with England

A WELSH education campaigner is calling for urgent reform after new analysis claimed pupils in Wales are hundreds of millions of pounds worse off than their counterparts in England, with Physical Education among the areas most at risk.

Nick Clement, founder of Confident Healthy Active Me CIC, has launched a petition to the Senedd calling for PE to be ring fenced within the Welsh curriculum, amid concerns that many children are missing out on regular, structured physical activity in school.

“PE is disappearing from many Welsh schools. Some children go weeks without structured physical activity. We would not accept this in literacy or numeracy and we should not accept it in PE either,” he said.

The campaign says Welsh schools are now more than £16,000 worse off per school than those in England, arguing that changes to curriculum funding and the absence of ring fenced support have left schools struggling to protect PE time.

In England, the government provides £320 million annually through the PE and Sport Premium, supporting structured PE delivery and staff training. Campaigners say Wales has no equivalent programme and no statutory requirement for the amount of PE time delivered in primary schools.

The group claims that around 45,000 children in Wales are in schools with little or no weekly PE provision.

Children deserve better

Confident Healthy Active Me CIC delivers free Active Assemblies to primary schools across Wales, aiming to help children build physical confidence and develop healthy habits through inclusive movement sessions. The organisation also works with Flying Start settings, supporting two and three year olds and their families through early years physical literacy and movement based learning.

The sessions combine exercise, storytelling and wellbeing themes, with the campaign arguing that regular movement supports children’s focus, behaviour and mental health, as well as long term physical wellbeing.

“We see daily how movement supports children’s focus, behaviour, and mental health. Yet PE remains optional, underfunded, and undervalued in Wales,” Clement said.

Senedd petition

The petition urges the Welsh Government to ring fence PE in the curriculum and protect delivery in schools. The campaign is asking supporters to help reach 10,000 signatures, which would trigger consideration of a formal debate in the Senedd.

The petition is available online at: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246825

“If PE isn’t protected now, we risk a generation growing up inactive, unhealthy, and disconnected from movement. Wales cannot afford to fall further behind,” Clement said.

Images showcasing the group’s programmes and Active Assemblies are available on request.

From carb choices to hydration, organisers share practical advice to help runners avoid common mistakes

RUNNERS preparing for events from 5Ks to full marathons are being urged to pay as much attention to nutrition as they do to training, with new guidance highlighting simple steps that can make a big difference on race day.

Activity Wales Events has shared a set of practical tips covering what to eat and drink before, during and after a race, warning that poor fuelling can lead to fatigue, cramps and a sharp drop-off in performance — even when training has gone well.

The advice encourages runners to avoid trying anything new on the day and to focus on a steady routine in the days leading up to an event, including sensible carbohydrate intake, regular meals and good hydration.

It also highlights the importance of planning for longer distances, where runners may need to take on energy during the race — and to practise that strategy in training so the body is used to it.

Organisers say recovery matters too, with post-race food and fluids helping the body repair and reducing the risk of feeling unwell after finishing.

The guidance is aimed at runners of all abilities and distances, from those taking part in their first 5K to experienced competitors tackling half marathons and marathons.

The full guide is available via Activity Wales Events’ website.

A Pembrokeshire sporting club – described as ‘a breathing hub of inclusion and resilience’ – has launched a major fund raising drive after recent storms wreaked thousands of pounds worth of damage to its structure.

A large section of roofing at the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Amateur Boxing Club has fallen in as a result of strong winds while the main gym area is currently inaccessible.

“It’s heartbreaking to see this important community facility  hit so hard by the recent storms,” commented South Pembrokeshire’s Senedd Member, Sam Kurtz.

“I’ve seen for myself the fantastic work that Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC does when I attended a junior disability boxing session at the club in Water Street, Pembroke Dock.

“It leads by example, and the club is an outstanding example of where community and fitness brings everyone together.

“I ask everyone to support the club as it attempts to repair the storm damage in whatever way they can.”

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock ABC prides itself on welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds on a daily basis including those in need of recovery support, adaptive sport or trauma-informed programmes. This includes people receiving stroke recovery, Parkinson’s support, safeguarding workshops and youth mentoring.

The club also prides itself on having a strong team of volunteers, aged between 16 and 70, who are described as ‘the heartbeat’ of the club’s work. 

Formed in 1964 by Police Officer Bryn Phillips, the club later affiliated to WABA and has become a well established and much loved part of the community, producing many champions and taking part in numerous local community events. 

Since then, it has witnessed a steady increase in users as more families, schools and support services continue to use its facilities.

The club is currently trying to raise a total of £50,000 to repair the extensive storm damage.  All donations can be made via the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock AFC gofund me link.