CHILDREN are enjoying more chances to play sport with friends and to compete against neighbouring schools because teachers have been inspired by an awards scheme.

More than 30 schools in Vale Royal School Sport Partnership have achieved School Games Mark status, which rewards their commitment to developing sporting opportunities.

Six of those reached gold standard, the highest grade, last year.

Many others improved on the level they reached in 2013.

“We like the way the School Games Mark has promoted inter-school competition,” said Emma Harrison, headteacher at Over St John’s Church of England Primary in Winsford.

“Our children have had the chance to take part in 11 different leagues and tournaments since September alone, and we always give them a go.

“Teachers have volunteered in their spare time to run after-school clubs, and we’ve now got four that offer sport.”

After reaching silver status, she says the school’s target is to improve again during the current academic year.

A sports council, set up recently, is giving children an opportunity to share their ideas.

She added: “We really want to go for gold and are already making changes, such as the sports council, to get there.

“The School Games Mark has encouraged us to focus on the opportunities our children have."

“We make sure they take part in at least two hours of PE every week because it can have a huge impact on their lifestyle.”

Winnington Park Community Primary and Nursery School is another to have received a silver grading.

Headteacher Jane Dale told the Guardian that taking part in sporting competition had made children there more resilient, and taught them to respect each other.

She added: “Pupils challenge themselves to improve their skills, and raising their self-esteem and confidence has an impact on their progress in other subjects too.”

n School Games Mark 2014 Gold: Hartford High; St Mary’s RC; Charles Darwin; Hartford Primary; Kingsmead Primary; St Nicholas RC High Silver: Harford Manor; Over St John’s CoE; Lostock Gralam CoE; Comberbach; Weaverham Forest; Winnington Park; Whitegate; Leftwich Primary; Witton Church Walk; Barnton; Rosebank; Little Leigh; Sandiway Bronze: St Joseph’s RC; Crowton; Davenham CoE; Grange; Moulton; St Bede’s RC; Oaklands; St Wilfrid’s RC; Whitley Village; Willow Wood; Darnhall; High Street; UCAN Primary Weaverham; Wincham; Cuddington; Over Hall