The government is to boost the number of primary school teachers specialising in PE, with extra funding being made to promote exercise from an early age.

The Department for Education (DfE) believes that by stressing the importance of physical education in primary schools will ensure that children develop a "sporting habit for life".

It is hoped that by September 2015, there will be an additional 240 teachers equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully deliver PE to youngsters.

Children's minister Edward Timpson said that PE, being a specialist role, "deserves bespoke support".

"PE specialists are vital to really embedding sporting expertise in schools, as well as giving children every chance of developing a sporting habit for life," he continued.

"That's why we've announced extra funding to create a second intake of specialist primary PE teachers to support other teachers in developing their skills and improve quality of PE teaching."

This scheme comes on the back of the success of a pilot initiative that was delivered last year, which will see 120 PE specialists begin teaching in primary schools this September.

The unique teaching programme is focused on PE and sport, as 50 per cent of time is dedicated to the study of this. The rest of the course is made up of core subjects, to ensure they are well-rounded members of staff.

Speaking to the BBC, Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said that the association welcomed the funding boost, which presently totals £360,000.

"Properly deployed they can raise the skill and confidence of all staff in teaching PE," he commented.

"They can broaden the range of sport and exercise on offer and help nurture a new generation of athletes. It is vital that we maintain a broad and balanced curriculum as start children on healthy habits early."