This week I report on the expansion of the School Games Mark to promote equal opportunities for girls and boys in PE and extracurricular sport and confirmation that a review of the statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance for schools will be launched as soon as possible.

Government launches expansion of standard awarded for equal access to sports
Following on from the success of the Football Association’s (FA) #LetGirlsPlay campaign launched by the Lionesses squad and the FA after the England Women’s team’s success at the Euro 2022 tournament. The government has announced the expansion of the School Games Mark which will now be awarded to those schools that successfully deliver equal opportunities for girls and boys in PE and extracurricular sport.

Schools are also being asked to offer a minimum of two hours curriculum PE time and the Government will provide support to schools on how to do this through the upcoming refresh of the School Sport Action Plan.

Alongside this work, Ofsted will be publishing a report into PE in the coming months, which will inform future inspections and set out what they believe is possible in terms of offering high quality PE and equal access to sports.

Review of sex education guidance for schools
The prime minister has announced he is bringing forward a review of statutory relationships, sex and health education guidance for schools. The current guidance which came into effect in September 2020 was already due to be reviewed later this year. However during Prime Minister’s questions earlier this week Rishi Sunak confirmed a consultation would now be launched “as soon as possible”.