Ceredigion Actif’s ‘Fit in 5’ programme, an initiative to increase children’s activity levels is a project already running in over 30 primary schools in Ceredigion, is now available in nurseries and pre-schools across the county.
The ‘Fit in 5’ programme encourages children and young people to do five minutes of physical activity every day, in addition to regular play times and physical development sessions. Following the ‘Fit in 5’ training, 27 staff from 21 pre-school establishments have now committed to running daily sessions.
Councillor Catrin Miles, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Learning Services said, “The ‘Fit in 5’ programme has been a big success in schools across Ceredigion. It is pleasing to hear that nurseries and pre-schools will now be able to offer young children the same opportunity to raise their activity levels in a fun and engaging way. Showing children from a young age that keeping fit by participating in a range of exciting activities with friends is very important. Regular activity to keep fit and physical will become part of their daily routine as they progress throughout their lives.”
Ceredigion Actif have set up a partnership with the Ceredigion County Council’s Learning Services and the Healthy Schools Department of Public Health Wales. Training was held across Ceredigion at the beginning of June, where resources to help deliver the sessions were provided to each of the establishments taking part. A video showcasing the project has been created to assist staff in the training.
There are many benefits to taking part in this programme including developing social and relationship skills, brain development, improvement in health and weight as well as physical and psychological wellbeing. Children can take part indoors in a hall or outside at any time of the day.
Alwyn Davies, Active Young People Manager for Ceredigion Actif stated, “We believe this is an effective and sustainable way of getting children active on a regular basis resulting in important physical, mental and social benefits. Children will have the opportunity to improve their physical literacy as a range of skills are developed, as well as increasing their aerobic fitness. We’d like to thank all the schools and nurseries that have committed to the project and we’re looking forward with excitement to see the rewards.”
To view the ‘Fit in 5’ Pre-School programme promotional video, visit: https://youtu.be/lGV0rpFDXfM
22/06/2018