The call comes from a head teacher who says she has turned around her failing school by introducing regular exercise during the school day.
Julie Bradley, head teacher at St Leonard's primary school in Padiham, near Burnley, said the emphasis on core subjects meant opportunities to boost children's concentration, behaviour and the chance to build life-long healthy habits were being missed.
She called on the Government to prioritise physical education within primary schools, and link children's physical fitness with improving their self-esteem and academic performance.
"If children are not physically fit they will not attain their highest potential. When fit, they're more able to access the curriculum. Their behaviour is better as well."
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