Welcome to our Partnership
Merton School Sport Partnership (MSSP) is located in London Borough of Merton and was established in September 2003 through the government funded national PE School Sport & Club Links programme. The MSSP is hosted and very well supported by the borough’s Sport Specialist College, Harris Academy Merton. The Partnership is formed of 43 Primary schools, 7 Secondary schools and 4 Special schools / Pupil Referral Units.
Achievement
We now sit well above the national average in all four of the key indicators listed. Our biggest achievement is the increase in competitive opportunities we have provided our pupils. At least 75% of our youngsters have taken part in a competitive event representing their school in 2009/10. This considerably tops the national average (49%) as well as all other Partnership’s results within London and the South East.
Changes to Our Funding
Since the recent cuts to government funding for PE and School Sport, the partnership has undergone a process of structural change. We are delighted that as of September 2011 the Partnership will sustain itself via funding and support from our 43 Primary, 4 Special and 7 Secondary Schools, the London Borough of Merton’s Education Department and other externally secured funds. Although we have changed the way we work our mission remains the same. We will continue to work with the Local Authority and other partners to improve the quality of curriculum P.E. through teacher training and provide opportunities for sports leadership, high quality competitions and external coaching.
The Partnership is led and managed by the School Sport Director with support and guidance from the Steering Group. Within the team are 3 Sport Coordinators and each leads a cluster of schools to help them meet their school’s PE and sport aims which will in turn feed into the Partnership’s overall vision. The SCs provide PE & sport training for primary teachers, support and guidance to each school and develop a cluster competition calendar, leadership academies, club links & coaching opportunities. Each SC also leads the whole partnership in a specific area. These include the new School Games & Competition, Leadership & Disability and Coaching.
Our Administration and Finance Officer supports us in our everyday work and as of Sept 2011 we have 2 School Sport Internships working with us. The Interns are qualified sports coaches and support our schools in this field whilst developing their own skills in sports development, event management, organisation and leadership through their work placements with us.
The core staff team are all based at Harris Academy Merton where the Principal, Mr Halpin, plays a key role in guiding the Partnership in the right strategic direction.
