Sport England has opened its Primary Spaces fund for applications.

The funding will look to help more schools create sports spaces and is part of a £18m investment to improve primary school PE and sport activities.

Schools that qualify for grants will receive up to £30,000 to spend on a range of specially created packages which can be tailored to meet their needs.

The fund will primarily aim to help provide outdoor multi-sport areas, which can be used both within the curriculum and out of school hours.

As well as providing sports facilities, the money will ensure staff and volunteers at the school receive information on how best to use the new facilities and equipment to help children get active.

To qualify, schools must be able to show they have little or no outdoor space which can currently be used for PE and sports sessions, but that there is capacity for improvement.

Primary Spaces opened to applications on 24 February and will close on 24 March 2014.

• To find out more and to download the application forms, visit www.sportengland.org/primaryspaces.