Why is it important to be active?

Staying active is important for our physical health but also hugely beneficial for our mental health too. The NHS state that children should aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a day across the week.

To support with this, we will be introducing our ‘Oakwood Run’ which, simply put, is 10 minutes when children jog or run, at their own pace, during the school day at a time of the teacher’s choosing. The run is not Sport or PE, but rather health and wellbeing through physical activity.

We also have a range of fun equipment out at lunchtimes to encourage physical activity and our wonderful adventure trails, which are not only fun but great exercise too!

Taking part in regular physical activity has lots of benefits for children’s physical health, mental health and wellbeing, and their learning.

• It improves bone health and muscle strength in children.

• It enhances fitness and improves heart health.

• It reduces body fat and promotes healthy body composition.

• It supports self-esteem and happiness.

• It helps reduce anxiety and increases confidence.

• It improves focus and concentration and can help improve classroom behaviour.

• It supports improved academic attainment and cognitive performance.