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Written question asked by Al Pinkerton (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Friday, 16 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Outdoor Recreation: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of increasing funding for outdoor play and learning facilities in schools in Surrey Heath constituency.

Answer

The government recognises the important role that outdoor play and learning can play in supporting children's wellbeing, development and enrichment. Schools are required to have suitable outdoor space for pupils to play, and we support schools through wider programmes including the Enrichment Framework and National Education Nature Park.

In addition, the government is investing just under £200 million to improve school sports facilities, recognising the importance of high-quality outdoor and indoor spaces in supporting children's physical activity and wider development. The government has given a long-term commitment for capital investment through to 2034/35 to improve the condition of schools and college buildings and grounds across England.

We are investing almost £3 billion per year by 2034/35 in capital maintenance, rising from £2.4 billion in 2025/26. For the 2026/27 financial year, Surrey County Council, which includes Surrey Heath constituency, has been allocated a School Condition Allocation of just over £6 million to allocate across its maintained schools based on local knowledge of need. Academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies with schools in the constituency also have access to capital funding, with details of funding published on GOV.UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
32303
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Finance Schools Outdoor recreation Surrey Heath
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk