Plan unveiled to upgrade PE teacher jobs

The government could save money if it invests in the professional development of staff already employed in teacher jobs, it has been claimed.

According to Andy Baker, director of Multisport4life, the government should invest in up-skilling staff in teaching jobs across England, creating 17,000 qualified coaches and PE teachers for primary schools at the lowest possible cost.

Mr Baker told the Telegraph: "If every primary school was to have a PE teacher, it would take a minimum of four years and would cost £70 million a year in salaries.

"That will never happen. But if we up the skills of the existing workforce, it is a workable process."

He added that up-skilling staff already in teacher jobs would enable them to take on additional responsibilities, and would cost approximately £20 million over three years.

A study published earlier this year by the University of Exeter found children who ride bicycles to school are generally fitter than pupils who walk, take the bus of get a lift by car.

Posted by Harriet MacGowan

Published On 10/03/2010