Along with Derby School Sport Partnership we give our top tips to help embed a healthy, happy lifestyle for your pupils.
Research showing the importance of physical activity for children is stronger than ever. School sport and activity is proven to enhance physical health, boost mental wellbeing, build resilience, lift academic achievement and create active habits for life. Primary schools are being asked to help every pupil get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical exercise per day in school time.
Running a Playground Leaders Programme is a fantastic idea and can improve children’s leadership skills and sense of responsibility. Training covers communication, organisation and team work, leading to improved self-confidence and an understanding of the value of collaboration.
Excellent resources do not have to cost a fortune. Frisbees are a great and inexpensive PE resource. In addition to throwing or catching, they can be used as targets and in balance and control exercises.
Hoops are another versatile resource. In addition to hula hooping, they can be used for balance activities, target areas, skipping, passing and jumping.
Schools are experimenting with different approaches to getting children active for the minimum of 30 minutes per day, including using cross-curricular programmes, such as incorporating active learning into maths and literacy lessons.
Of course, wellbeing is not just about physical health. Good mental health isn’t simply the absence of depression or anxiety, but the presence of positive characteristics. The social and emotional wellbeing of students goes hand in hand with raising achievement.
Nutrition – is another vital part of health and wellbeing
Eating habits are formed at a young age. School settings offer an ideal environment to positively shape how children think about food. Read our blog about the importance of having a Healthy Breakfast.
With thanks to Derby School Sport Partnership for these ideas. Derby SSP work to maximise the positive impact that high quality PE, school sport and physical activity has on young people. The team support schools to implement a positive attitude and understanding of good health.
