03 Sep 2020
Reopening of schools 'vital' to improving children's physical activity levels
BY Tom Walker
The reopening of schools will be crucial to help increase the physical activity levels of children in the UK.
Data from Savanta ComRes, collected from parents over the summer months, shows that activity levels have fallen rapidly, with less than a fifth (19 per cent) of children currently meeting the recommended guidelines.
Last year, 46.8 per cent of children in England were meeting the Chief Medical Officer's guidelines of an average of 60 minutes of activity per day across a week.
The latest figures come from a study commissioned by Sport England, which also showed that teenage girls, poorer children and those from a BAME background rely more than others on school provision to be physically active in their everyday lives.
“Large numbers of children tell us that not being at school has negatively impacted on their ability to get active," said Sport England CEO Tim Hollingsworth.
“We know that both parents and teachers are under pressure in so many areas right now, but our message would be that their role is absolutely vital in supporting our children to be more active and in turn healthier and more resilient.
“Whether that’s encouraging children to walk or cycle to school safely, making break times and lessons active or delivering PE sessions that children want and enjoy, it all counts.”
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston added: “Schools and teachers are working incredibly hard to reopen safely and we will support them in helping children get fit and healthy as they return.
"Playing sport and being active is vital for young people's physical and mental health, whilst also improving behaviour and concentration. Sport is a crucial part of school life, and now more so than ever."
According to Sport England, £13.5m has been invested into a secondary teacher training programme at more than 2,000 schools across England in recent years, in order to help "put pupil’s needs and enjoyment at the heart of PE and school sport".
A further £26m has been invested into satellite clubs to engage children and young people in sport outside the school day.
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