February 2024 Signs of optimism
Political parties should prioritise children’s physical activity Ali Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust, is calling on political parties of all colours to unlock the potential of physical activity, including PE, sport and play, to develop happier, healthier and more successful children. In response to Labour’s new Child Health Action Plan, which includes a commitment to ‘get kids moving, by implementing a mandatory national curriculum that is balanced and broad, and makes a wide range of physical activities compulsory for all schools.’ Ali Oliver said: “For years, the Youth Sport Trust has campaigned for an urgent focus
on increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary lifestyles as a form of preventative healthcare for our nation’s children. “Active children are happier, healthier, more resilient, perform better at school and have overall improved wellbeing. As Keir Starmer himself says, ‘Healthy, happy children is not something nice to have, it’s a basic right that has economic urgency’. “The UK’s Chief Medical Officers’ recommend children are vigorously active for at least 60 minutes a day to maintain health, but unfortunately, the most recent data from Sport
England shows that fewer than half (47%) of children in England meet this guidance and 1 in 3 (30%) are active for less than 30 minutes per day. What we’re doing currently is not working – too many children are inactive, and are unhappier, unhealthier and more distracted as a result.” Last month, the Youth Sport Trust met with MPs from across the political spectrum in Parliament to launch its new manifesto for action. A key part of this plan is elevating the role of PE in schools and ensuring every child has guaranteed access to two hours of highquality, inclusive PE each week.
Proludic Redrawing boundaries with inclusive play “The manifesto sets out five recommendations in total, to deliver the transformational change needed to give every child an active start in life,” continued Ali Oliver. “In an election year, we are calling on political leaders to prioritise physical activity to improve children’s health and wellbeing; improve their educational attainment and ultimately increase their happiness.”
The Youth Sport Trust believes improving children and young people’s wellbeing is a national priority. Key to this is putting the child at the centre of our thinking and unlocking the potential of physical activity including PE, sport and play to develop happier, healthier and more successful children. Youth Sport Trust Enquiry 34
Sector meets with meet with Shadow Minister for Sport Shadow Sport Minister Stephanie Peacock MP has met with the sport and physical activity sector’s representative organisations to discuss how Labour can harness the
impact of sport, recreation and physical activity to create a happier, healthier and more prosperous nation in the event of a change of Government. The sector has the power to
change lives and help address key priorities including relieving NHS pressures, breaking down barriers to opportunity, strengthening local communities and boosting economic growth.
By offering opportunities to be active across communities and schools, the sector already saves the NHS £9.5bn through preventing illness and generates £85bn by boosting wellbeing, empowering communities and generating economic activity. But a third of people living in the UK remain physically inactive and already stark inequalities are widening. A shift in how the nation looks at improving the health and wellbeing of this nation must be at the heart of any future Government’s strategy, and the role sport and physical activity will be integral to this. “We must make it easier for people to play, move and be active in any way they choose by ensuring sport, recreation and
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physical activity is accessible and affordable for everyone,” said a spokesperson for ukactive. “This must be based on a crossgovernmental approach, given the potential of grassroots sport and physical activity to provide national solutions across many of the Government’s priorities and responsibilities. “Our country needs impactful solutions to rapidly support its renewal, and our sector is committed to play its fullest role, if leaders have the ambition to unlock its potential. We welcome the engagement from the Shadow Sport Minister and look forward to working with her and the shadow Labour team on their plans for our sector.” ukactive Enquiry 35
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The Play & Activity sector has always been a vibrant innovator. After a difficult time, it is starting to attract the spotlight again. Our regular special features on the sector are the perfect showcase for your products and services. We can help you highlight the best of the sector by reaching the decision-makers. Contact our Landscape & Amenity Product Update team today to learn more about our print, digital & online packages Kellie: 07971 365588 | kellie@tspmedia.co.uk or Colette: 07495 378380 | Colette@tspmedia.co.uk READER ENQUIRY 36