THE Minister for Children and Families visited a school near Bridgwater to see first-hand how a sports scheme is encouraging children into activities.

MP Edward Timpson, accompanied by Dean Horridge, chief executive of Fit for Sport, met children at Pawlett Primary School to see them take part in the Engage to Compete scheme which was introduced to schools in the Somerset area last year.

Mr Timpson said: “It was a fantastic experience to visit Pawlett School and really understand how the Engage to Compete programme can make a difference in pupils’ lives, giving them a fun, engaging pathway into activity and sport.

“Programmes like Engage to Compete are successful because they really help the entire school engage in activity, rather than just the sporty children, and the engagement from the kids I’ve seen today has been excellent.

“They enjoyed the sessions, had smiles on their faces and most importantly, everyone could take part and got active, and this is exactly what we need the next generation to be doing.”

Anne Goodison, head teacher at Pawlett Primary School, said: “Our small village primary school has been committed to encouraging children to participate in physical educational activities for many years, taking ad-vantage of working with partner schools and clubs as well as sports and dance instructors.”