PLANS to maintain sports funding in schools have been welcomed by a union leader.

Lancashire’s and Blackburn with Darwen’s NUT representative said he however had hoped for increased funding.

Simon Jones spoke out after David Cameron’s announcement to keep the £150million a year Primary PE and Sport Premium until 2020.

Mr Jones said: “The extension of the commitment to funding for primary school sports is certainly welcome as is the Prime Minister’s acknowledgement of the benefits it brings to school life.

“The funding, while not inconsequential, works out at approximately £9,000 per school. Given that many primary schools do not have dedicated PE teachers, this does not add up to a great deal.

“Primary schools in particular have suffered from the withdrawal by the coalition of the £160million per annum for School Sport Partnerships.

“The effect of the squeeze on timetabled curriculum is likely to be particularly pronounced in primary schools working to meet escalating ‘floor targets’ for pupil attainment and tests such as SATs.

“There needs to be far more recognition for sports and non-core subjects in schools to ensure that pupils enjoy the benefits of a well-rounded education.”