The evaluation, which was carried out by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), was commissioned by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL). DCAL, in conjunction with Sport Northern Ireland, has developed a draft 10 year strategy for sport and recreation.
Chief Inspector of the ETI, Stanley Goudie, said: “Our evaluation showed that sport and physical activity is enjoyed by most children, but as they get older their reasons for involvement changed and the time spent in sport and physical activity reduced. In many cases, children are not receiving the recommended amount of time in sport and this is a cause for concern.
“Our report recommends that schools should ensure that their pupils receive the recommended allocation of time for physical education. Where appropriate, this should be provided by qualified adults to ensure that children and young people receive high quality experiences.
“Relevant organisations need to place an appropriate focus on helping our young people maintain their personal health and well-being as they get older. Families too need support to introduce their children to sports early in their lives and to continue this interest in the years following.
“There is a range of statutory and non-statutory organisations involved in the provision of sport and physical activities for children and young people. We recommend that the key government Departments of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Education and Employment and Learning should collaborate to continue to develop strategies that support the introduction of sports and other physical activities, in order to lessen the potential for children and young people to develop sedentary lifestyles. If the recommendations within the ETI report are to be taken forward, it is crucial that DCAL secures widespread support for the draft strategy for sport and recreation.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Evaluation Report can be accessed on the ETI website.
2. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
