Landscape & A m en it y
June 2026 Special Feature Play & Activity
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PE and school sport to get £1bn boost from Government More young people will have access to high quality PE and school sport under the government’s new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, which will bring national sporting expertise into every primary and secondary school to tackle inactivity. The government is investing over £1 billion in school sport over the next three years, including funding for the new Partnerships Network, improvements to school sports facilities and support for primary schools as we move to the new approach. Backed by £580 million and set to be fully up and running from Spring 2027, the Network will replace the existing PE and Sport Premium and put an end to the one-size fits all model that has failed too many children for too long, while meeting the ask of leading voices in sports education.
Responding to longstanding calls from schools, a further almost £200 million will go towards improving school sporting facilities, which could be used to make facilities more accessible for children with SEND or additional equipment, alongside a one-off £100 million PE Premium payment to support primary schools during the transition year. Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “School sport builds confidence, belonging and wellbeing: priceless gifts that put kids on the path to getting on in life – and can even uncover the elite sports stars of the future. “Yet too many children have been missing out. Our new approach will see every child – across both primary and secondary – more physically active regardless of their circumstances, background, ability or where they go to school.”
Hard & Soft Landscaping A look at the latest from the urban environment Pages 10-12
The new model will modernise the approach that operated successfully in the early 2000s before being scrapped in 2011 by the thengovernment. Ofsted recognised in 2011 that School Sport Partnerships improved access, participation and school-club links. Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Our new Partnerships Network will not only mean that
children get access to high-quality PE lessons, it will also bring in clubs, coaches and sporting bodies to help physical activity become part of their everyday lives. “Whether it’s setting them on the road to an Olympic or Paralympic dream or simply teeing them up to lead a healthy, active life, getting children engaged in sport and PE early on is vital.”
A national delivery partner will work alongside national governing bodies to provide a mixture of universal and targeted support to schools based on their needs to directly tackle the activity divide between boys and girls, and disadvantaged pupils and their peers.
2 & 4 Wheel Tractors
DCMS Enquiry 1
Jane Carley puts the spotlight on the new models
GroundsFest 2026 opens visitor registration Visitor registration for GroundsFest 2026 is now officially open, as the industry prepares for what promises to be the biggest and most exciting edition of the event to date. Returning to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 16 and 17 September 2026, GroundsFest has firmly established itself as the industry’s most anticipated event thanks to its unique combination of live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, entertainment, free education and community atmosphere.
With more exhibitors than ever before, including many companies increasing the size of their stands for 2026, GroundsFest will once again provide visitors with access to the latest innovations, expert advice, live demonstrations and hands-on experiences from across the grounds management, landscaping and amenity sectors. One of the major highlights for 2026 will be the dedicated Landscape Zone, delivered in partnership with British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).
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The area will feature exhibitors, demonstrations, educational content and networking opportunities specifically tailored to landscaping professionals, designers, architects and contractors. GroundsFest’s live music festival will also return with live music, street food and after-hours
entertainment helping to create an event experience unlike anything else in the industry. GroundsFest Event Director Christopher Bassett said: “GroundsFest has always been about creating an event that the industry genuinely wants to attend, and a huge part of that is giving
visitors the chance to get hands-on with equipment and experience products properly. That’s exactly what GroundsFest delivers. “The show offers a completely different experience to a traditional exhibition.” GroundsFest
Sweepers, Blowers, Collectors & Vacs The machines you need to clean up
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Enquiry 2
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