Funding guidance
Using PE and Sport Premium for playground markings
The Primary PE and Sport Premium exists to make additional, sustainable improvements to PE and activity. Playground markings are one of the clearest ways to do exactly that, and this page explains how they fit the DfE's own aims.
What is the PE and Sport Premium for?
The premium is designed to improve the quality of PE, physical activity and sport in primary schools. The key point is that funding should make additional and sustainable improvements, the kind that keep benefiting pupils well beyond a single year. Ofsted and other stakeholders look for evidence that the money reaches all pupils, not only those already keen on sport.
That sustainability test is where markings do well. Once a thermoplastic scheme is down, it creates daily opportunities for movement for years, with no extra staffing and no repeat spend. It is a capital improvement that embeds activity into the whole school day.
The five key aims
- Engage all pupils in regular physical activity, especially the least active
- Raise the profile of PE and sport across the whole school
- Increase staff confidence, knowledge and skills in teaching PE and sport
- Offer pupils a broader range of sports and activities
- Increase participation in competitive sport
Source: the DfE's published aims for the Primary PE and Sport Premium.
How do markings meet each aim of the premium?
A few practical ways schools put the funding to work with ground markings, each linked to the relevant designs.
Reach the least active pupils
Marked activity trails, agility circuits and target games give children who feel less sure in team sports an easy way in. Clear ground markings lower the barrier to joining in and encourage independent active play.
Sports courts and MUGASupport the daily mile
A looped track makes the daily mile simple to run whatever the weather, embedding movement into the school day beyond timetabled PE.
Daily mile tracksRaise the profile of PE
Bright, permanent sports courts, athletics lines and fitness zones make a visible statement that movement is part of everyday school life, not just something for the PE hour.
Sports and fitness markingsBroaden the range of activity
A multi-use games area, a mix of games markings and a set of fitness stations let one playground host far more kinds of play and sport than an empty surface can.
All playground markingsHow do you report and stay accountable?
Every school must publish how it spends the premium and the difference it makes. Markings give you something concrete to point to: a clear before and after, a visible increase in active play, and an improvement that lasts. When you order, we provide a fully itemised quote you can attach to your report and your governors' papers.
Sport Premium and funding questions
Can playground markings be paid for with the PE and Sport Premium?
Yes, where the markings help you meet the aims of the premium and deliver additional, sustainable improvement. Thermoplastic markings that increase daily activity, support the daily mile or widen participation fit the DfE guidance well. Always record how the spend meets the key indicators in your report, and check your own local requirements.
Why are markings a good use of the funding?
The premium asks for additional and sustainable improvements. Unlike short-term equipment or a one-off event, thermoplastic markings give daily opportunities for activity for years, with no extra staffing or ongoing cost. That makes them straightforward to justify as sustainable impact.
When is the funding deadline?
Schools review how they have allocated the premium against the financial year, and any unspent funding is usually best committed before that year end. If you still have budget to allocate, a capital improvement like markings is a practical way to use it well. We can turn a design and quote around quickly to help you meet a deadline.
What if we are not using Sport Premium?
Schools also fund markings through their capital or premises budget, PTA and fundraising, or other grants. We are happy to provide a clear, itemised quote you can put to whichever funding route suits your school.
This is general guidance, not financial advice. Funding rules can change, so check the current DfE conditions of grant and any local requirements for your school before you commit spend.
Turn your funding into a playground that lasts
We will design a scheme around your aims and send an itemised quote you can put to your budget.
- Free design and site survey
- No obligation
- Nationwide install team