Whole School Change

The aim of Ready, Set Rossendale is create a network of physically active schools in Rossendale.

The development of physical activity in schools can be achieved through a whole school approach that embraces daily play and physical activity throughout the school day. Evidence shows that developing a whole school approach to physical activity improves pupil:

• mental health and wellbeing
• academic performance
• memory and attention span
• behaviour
• development of life skills
• level of physical activity.

Ready, Set Rossendale aims to support schools in developing a whole school vision which has physical activity, health and wellbeing at the core of the school’s values and ethos.

This project hopes to challenge school leaders evaluate review their current provision in terms of physical activity levels of their pupils.

Physical Activity Guidance

EARLY YEARS (under 5s)

Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments.

Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking unaided should be physically active daily for at least 180 minutes (3 hours), spread throughout the day.

All under 5s should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (being restrained or sitting) for extended periods (except time spent sleeping).

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (5–18 years)

All children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes and up to several hours every day.

Vigorous intensity activities, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least three days a week.

All children and young people should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods.

Despite the widely reported benefits of physical activity, the majority of adults and many children across the UK are insufficiently active to meet the previous recommendations.

Ready, Set Rossendale will support schools, communities and families to meet these guidelines.

Please see the image below which outlines how schools can implement a whole school approach to physical activity.