Campaign launched to boost children's physical activity

A Government campaign has been launched to boost children’s activity this winter.

Ashley Dalton (c) UK Parliament

Ashley Dalton (c) UK Parliament

‘Let's Move!', which is supported by Sport England, is designed to ensure children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day – including 30 minutes outside of school hours.

Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: ‘This campaign is part of our Plan for Change to build an NHS fit for the future by helping families make movement a natural, joyful part of everyday life.'

Research shows almost three in five (57%) parents say their children's physical activity levels are likely to suffer a seasonal dip during autumn and winter, with cold or wet weather (60%) and darker evenings (41%) highlighted as the key barriers.

In addition, more than half of children in England aren't getting the recommended amount of movement.

Supported by Joe Wicks, the campaign aims to make staying active easy and affordable, offering ideas from kitchen discos to local activities and playground fun. It encourages families to move together - 80% of parents believe their habits influence their child's activity levels - and highlights how everyday routines can support healthy, active lifestyles.

The Government has committed over £900m to build grassroots facilities in the places that need them most and deliver a pipeline of major sports events to inspire the nation.

In addition, the new School Sport Partnerships and Enrichment Framework is designed to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity.

Sport England evidence shows improved health from participation in sport and physical activity relieves pressure on the NHS through £10.5bn a year in health and social care savings.

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