Department for Education and Skills (DfES)

BSF funding is allocated formulaically, based on pupil numbers and DfES area guidelines for secondary schools (‘BB98’).  Within BB98 swimming pools are considered to be ‘supplementary area’ – in other words they are not part of the core school facilities which DfES fund.
 
Although BSF funding allocations do not include money for new swimming pools, DfES do allow existing pools to be refurbished within the programme.  It is for each local authority to decide how to make the best use of its overall BSF funding allocation across the schools in a particular project and the scope of works at each school.  The local authority could opt to put some of the available funding towards refurbishing an existing swimming pool.  Or it could use some of the funding to provide a new pool instead of the second of the two PE spaces – a four-court sports hall, to Sport England standards, and a separate activity space – allowed for in BB98, but only if the resulting provision satisfies the school’s PE curriculum as well or better than the standard provision.  More information can be found in the recent DfES publication ‘Inspirational Design for PE and Sport Spaces.’
 
There is also the option of exploring other sources of funding to supplement that from BSF.  Some schools have been built with swimming pools funded from other sources, such as DCMS.  DfES have produced guidance on joining up funding in the context of BSF which can be found on the BSF website at www.bsf.gov.uk.  However, this, again, is something that has to be pursued and agreed locally.
 
As with schools funding, it is important that funding from other sources (such as Big Lottery Fund/New Opportunities for PE and Sport) is targeted to the areas of greatest need.  Investment in sporting facilities such as swimming pools in schools, which incur significant ongoing running costs, should always be supported by a proper business plan that shows how these costs will be met, usually including community use.  It is important, therefore, that there is sufficient demand for the facility not just at the school but amongst the wider local community. 
 
It is certainly unfortunate if existing swimming facilities are lost through renewal work being done as part of BSF.  In developing BSF plans DfES would expect all local authorities to plan strategically so that new school developments are considered alongside the current and anticipated sporting needs of the local community.  Sport England takes an active interest in the planning and development of sports facilities in each region of the country and will also be able to offer advice on potential sources of funding for school sports facilities.  DfES have also asked local authorities to consult Sport England over their plans for the development of sports facilities under BSF.    
 
Sally Smith
department for education and skills
Schools Capital | BSF Policy Manager
Direct 020 7925 5452 | Fax 020 7925 5099
For Building Schools for the Future information visit:
http://www.bsf.gov.uk