There are many reasons why schoolchildren are becoming fatter, less fit and less active: most are driven to school; they eat more junk food, consuming ever more fat, salt and sugar; parental fear means many young people stay indoors, and they devote more hours to watching TV and playing computer games than to playing sport.

The Government recognises the scale of the problem, describing it as a 'ticking health timebomb' which threatens increased rates of cancer, diabetes and strokes. Ministers readily acknowledge the vital role that sport in schools has to play in tackling this epidemic. New Labour's initiatives and spending so far in this area are not enough. The sheer scale of worsening youthful obesity requires bolder and more vigorous Government action. Despite constraints involving lack of time, money and facilities, a few state schools ensure their pupils get regular exercise. With imagination, determination and more resources, it can be done. We recommend that:

Every pupil must be receiving at least two hours of sport at school by 2006. The current Government target of 75 per cent is too low.

Each primary school must get its own dedicated PE teacher to ensure that every pupil has the basic skills of sport by the age of 11.

Primary pupils should do quick bursts of activity twice a day to boost alertness.

Ministers should encourage schools to open earlier and close later to put on the extra sports activities needed.

Schools must be given more money by the Government to pay coaches and teachers to run additional activities.

Retired athletes should play a role in teaching and coaching school sport and be paid, possibly from the Lottery.

Schools must provide activities such as dance, yoga and skateboarding, as well as traditional team games, to help stimulate pupils' participation in activities that raise their heartrate.

Pupils should be rewarded for participating in sport with vouchers to buy CDs, DVDs and clothes, for example, through high street loyalty card-style schemes.

Schools should be able to make far greater use of the thousands of gyms, pools and sports centres during those places' quiet daytimes. Private schools and local sports clubs should also make their sports halls and playing fields available. Rate reductions by local councils and new tax benefits could be used as incentives to achieve this.