Under Fives at Risk as 88% of Pre-schools Struggle to Fund Sports

A nationwide survey of pre-schools and nursery’s conducted by the Haven Fun & Fitness campaign has found 88% of settings are struggling to fund sports at their early years settings.

These concerning results come following a recent NHS report which found nearly a quarter of four years old are overweight or obese. NHS experts have highlighted the need for a culture of turning off the TV and getting more active, recommending a minimum of three hours of physical activity everyday to prevent current predictions of a ‘health crisis time bomb’.

Haven Fun & Fitness campaign manager Naomi Woodstock comments: “Despite often being the only place a child can be active and run around with no restrictions many pre-schools receive little or no funding for sports equipment.”

To help make it easier to provide exciting and engaging physical activity for under-fives the Haven Fun & Fitness campaign was set up in 2009 to support early years settings in keeping children active. By providing free equipment to inspire kids to have fun getting fit, the campaign helps to encourage youngsters to get the fitness habit early.

“We have helped thousands of pre-schools all over the country to improve the sports and physical activities available to the children. Early years’ leaders are in a unique position to help develop children’s natural enjoyment of being active and we want to support them as they support our children” comments Naomi Woodstock.

The equipment available though the campaign is bright, colourful and designed specifically for under fives. The sports kits help children to get the exercise habit early and also helps pre-school leaders to meet their Ofsted guidelines for early year’s developments.

“Over 40% of pre-school leaders struggle to meet the early year’s development guidelines for physical activity. The Fun & Fitness campaign provides equipment to help meet these targets. By helping to make physical activity fun and exciting for the children we hope to provide additional support for teachers to encourage children to develop and meet their full potential.”

The 2011/12 Haven Fun & Fitness campaign is now open and pre-schools and nursery’s can register for the free sports equipment. Just visit www.havenfunfitess.com and follow the instructions on the site.

Registrations close on 31st January but places are limited!