About the Partnership

The North Dorset School Sport Partnership was originally created in 2004 and currently consists of 42 primary schools, 5 secondary schools and 1 special school. The Partnership Development Manager (PDM), who is responsible for strategically managing the programme, is based at Shaftesbury School.

What are our aims?

• The Partnership works to increase the opportunities for young people to take part in a wide range of physical activities. We aim to increase the quality of these activities and to develop Out of Hours Learning, enabling young people to extend their involvement in sport.

• The School Sport Partnership is a key part of the governments drive to provide every child with at least two hours a week of high quality PE. The North Dorset Sports Partnership is committed to this entitlement and is working to enrich the lives and improve the health of all young people in the area.

Our Plans Include

• Developing the talents of very able performers by creating opportunities for them to work with coaches at the highest level.
• Providing a wide range of different activities accessible to all young people, encouraging them to try a new sport.
• Using Physical Education and sporting activity to raise the self-esteem of young people, giving them confidence and a sense of achievement. This is mirrored by a rise in standards in academic achievements.
• Engaging young people in physical activity out of school hours, encouraging them to extend their enjoyment of sport and exercise.
• Providing specialist teachers for some sports activities in primary schools, giving equality of opportunity to all children in the Partnership.
• Extending opportunities for young adults to gain leadership qualifications that enable them to work in the sporting community.
• Providing training for teachers and other adults.

Who are our Partners?

The North Dorset School Sport Partnership works closely with Sport England, Youth Sport Trust, Active Dorset (the County Sports Partnership), health organisations and community coaches to promote active, healthy lifestyles for all young people in our region. We also work closely with local businesses and would welcome opportunities to develop further links with the community and other local projects.