Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps he is taking to improve training for primary school teachers in delivering high quality (i) physical education; and (ii) school sport.
Minister of Education: To improve training for primary school teachers, my Department is taking forward targeted, practical measures in partnership with sporting bodies.
In April 2026, I announced the RAISE Active Schools Programme, a structured multi-sport initiative for primary schools in RAISE areas, delivering sessions in 96 schools and reaching up to 9,600 pupils. Strong demand was evident, with over 450 schools applying before the expression of interest closed on 6 May.
Central to the programme is enhanced teacher training through in-school, practice-based support. Teachers work alongside qualified coaches from organisations such as the Irish FA Foundation, Ulster Rugby, Ulster GAA and Ulster Hockey over a 10-week period, strengthening their skills, confidence and subject knowledge in Physical Education and school sport delivery.
This model enables teachers to apply best practice in real time, improving lesson quality, inclusion and pupil engagement. It also provides targeted professional learning on delivering both competitive and non‑competitive sport and fostering positive attitudes to physical activity.
The programme strengthens links with local sports clubs, supporting schools to extend opportunities beyond the curriculum. More broadly, my Department promotes a whole-school approach to physical activity, recognising the central role teachers play in supporting pupils’ health and wellbeing.
ENDS
Your MLA 