Active Oxfordshire, in partnership with North Oxfordshire School Sport Partnership and working with districts across the county, has been awarded £500,000 funding through the Opening School Facilities Fund. We are extremely proud to be working with North Oxfordshire School Sport Partnership and districts across the county to support schools to open up their facilities outside of the normal school day. This new funding comes at a time when there is an urgent need to help local families and the wider community access activities close to where they live.

For some families, attending leisure centres isn't always feasible, transport and cost are two major factors that impact families' abilities to participate in physical activity. We speak to families regularly who have been hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis, and who need to be able to have activities available within walking distance from their home. Schools are vitally important community resources, and by supporting schools to open up their facilities, we will create so many more accessible opportunities for families to get and stay active.

The crucial element of this project is partnership working. We make the biggest impact to beneficiaries when we come together and collaborate effectively as champions for physical activity, fairness and equity, and Opening School Facilities is a fantastic example of this in action. So far, 28 projects are already scheduled in for Year 1, many through our partnership with Cherwell District Council and British Cycling. These projects include Forest School, new bike libraries, girls' football, trampolining, community play opportunities and extra SEN support. Going forward into Years 2 and 3, we will take a more targeted approach in the areas that need it most, building on the fantastic work already being done by programs like YouMove and building on the partnerships and networks opening up through Oxfordshire on the Move.

Further details for the next phase of Opening School Facilities programme in Oxfordshire will be available for schools after Easter.