CYP Now - Letters: School grounds boost activity

The University of Essex's research into how sports equipment in schools can help in the battle against obesity is welcomed, but it is likely that providing schools with new equipment will only generate a short-term activity burst.

However, school grounds that promote unstructured, child-led activity will help improve energy expenditure and increase activity at a higher level and on a long-term basis.

The use of flexible play equipment should be encouraged alongside grounds that provide challenge and inspiration, to enable our children to play actively and creatively. For example, adding slopes that children want to run up and down will promote activity, allowing them to be physically challenged regardless of what and how they choose to play.

Catherine Andrews, chief executive, Learning through Landscapes

Don't scrap outreach workers

We are deeply concerned by the report (CYP Now, 8-14 October) that 4,000 extra health visitors in children's centres would be "paid for by scrapping outreach workers" under a Conservative government.

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