Children’s fitness and weight a concern for teachers

A nationwide survey conducted by the Haven Fun & Fitness campaign has shown that 87% of early years professionals are concerned that under- fives are not getting enough physical activity. And 84% of respondents believe that more children are becoming overweight, highlighting concerns that many of the toddlers in their care are becoming ‘couch potatoes’.

NHS Change4Life recommends raising children’s heartbeats to ‘faster than normal’ for a minimum of 60 minutes a day to prevent storing fat, which can lead to later life health problems resulting from obesity including diabetes and cancer. Making physical activity enjoyable from a young age encourages children that it’s fun to be fit and helps them to meet these guidelines naturally.

Little girl using Fun & Fitness equipment

Naomi Woodstock, Haven Fun & Fitness campaign manager comments: “early years professionals are in a unique position to help children to be more active. Pre-school or nursery can often be the only place where a child can run around freely and we want to support those who are making a difference to young children’s physical development.”

Now in its fourth year, the Haven Fun & Fitness Sports Equipment Giveaway campaign was set up to help make fitness fun for young children and to help early years setting provide exciting physical activities. The indoor and outdoor sports equipment given away through the campaign is specifically designed for under-fives to provide the stimulation and variety young children need to stay interested and engaged.

“We were shocked to see how many early years professionals are concerned about the rising numbers of inactive and overweight children. The Fun & Fitness Campaign makes a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of young children - we really hope as many pre-schools and nurseries as possible will register and benefit from the scheme,” said Ms Woodstock.

The 2011/12 Haven Fun & Fitness campaign is now open and pre-schools and nurseries can register for the free sports equipment. Just visit www.havenfunfitess.com and follow the instructions on the website. Registrations close on 31st January but places are limited!