The Merton School Sport Partnership (MSSP) is the most improved partnership in London for 2006.

84% of children in Merton aged between 5 and 16 now participate in at least two hours of high quality Physical Education (PE) and school sport each week, within and beyond the curriculum.

84% represents a vast improvement on last year’s figure of 54%. It also eclipses the 75% target for 2006 set by the Government. The 2008 target is 85%.

Another significant factor is the figure meets the target set by the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

Councillor Oonagh Moulton, cabinet member for School Standards and Youth Engagement said:

“This is fantastic news for the Merton School Sport Partnership. I would like to pass on my thanks to the teachers in all of Merton’s primary, secondary and special schools, as they have made this possible.

“At a time when the health of children is never far from the spotlight, it is reassuring to know that the large majority children in Merton are engaging in some form of high quality sport and physical activity. Furthermore, it is also comforting to know that the provision of PE and school sport in Merton is of the highest order.

Ged Curran, Chief Executive of Merton said:

Merton has great people working for it. This is another example of how the excellent partnership that exists between the council and schools is improving things for Merton’s residents. “

Approximately £1.5m of funding will have been pledged by 2008 to support the MSSP. It is hoped the Government’s spending review in 2007 will secure further spending for school sport up to and beyond the 2012 London Olympics.