CYP Now - Opinion: Vox pop - Should there be a target for hours spent doing PE?

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has called on the Scottish government to scrap its target for all schoolchildren to do at least two hours of PE a week (CYP Now, 16-22 April), but some fear the consequences.

NO: John Dunford, general secretary, Association of School and College Leaders

I believe physical exercise is very important for young people, and that sport is an excellent way to build team-working skills.

However, a target-driven approach often encourages a shortsighted focus. If the government really wants to help schools and parents to encourage young people to be more active, it should work alongside them and community organisations to provide spaces that engage young people, not impose top-down targets. Schools should have the autonomy to decide how PE best fits into the curriculum. YES: Steve Grainger, chief executive, Youth Sport Trust

Physical education is a crucial area of a child's education and it is critical schools set, and are supported to achieve, targets for the amount and quality of PE included in their curricula.

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