Primary school health scheme reports big improvements in one term

The Sporting Fundamentals scheme is being run in 10 primary schools in West Lindsey, Lincolnshire, and sees Key Stage 1 and 2 children take part in weekly sessions.

Each session consists of 45 minutes of sports activities, such as Kurling and Tri-Golf, followed by 25 minutes of healthy eating education.

During the project’s first term, which ended in July, 270 children took part in the project and 70 per cent made improvements in fitness and healthy eating assessments with an average of a 19 per cent improvement per pupil.

The work is being paid for by a grant of £90,000 over two years from the Big Lottery Fund and is being led by the leisure centre firm Everyone Active.

Chris Duncan, east region activities and funding manager at Everyone Active, said the project’s inclusive approach sets it apart.

“The targeted intervention schemes already in operation in the area have faced challenges due to the singling out of overweight and obese children, and parents or guardians having to be present,” he said.

“Rather than targeting individuals, Sporting Fundamentals is an inclusive scheme that aims to improve levels of physical wellbeing across the entire Key Stage 1 and 2 age groups, thus supporting and integrating other targeted interventions.”

Beth Darby, lead for school sport at White's Wood Lane Primary School, said the project has gone down well with pupils.
 
“The children have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and looked forward to them every week,” she said.

“After every session, the children would come out buzzing about what they had been doing and how much fun they had had.

“Their knowledge of healthy eating and how to stay fit has improved a lot and fitness levels are better now.”

A full evaluation of the West Lindsey project will take place towards the end of the two years, but Everyone Active says it is already looking to bring the model to primary schools in Ashfield, Daventry and Plymouth.