With thousands of School Sport Survey responses flooding in, we caught up with Healthy School’s Coordinator Paula Roberts, who told us about the vital influence the survey could have in setting children up for a healthier life.
Physical inactivity is known to be one of the leading causes of global mortality. Whatever our age, there is good scientific evidence that being physically active can help us to lead healthier lives. Regular participation in sports or physical activity can decrease our risk of chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, mental health problems and musculoskeletal issues. Furthermore children and young people’s participation in physical activity has been shown to be effective for reducing depression, anxiety, psychological distress and emotional disturbance; and can significantly enhance self-esteem and self-concept.
Research has shown that the time spent in youth sport is a crucial variable in explaining adult participation, with late adolescent years playing a crucial linking role between youth and adulthood. Therefore it is important that the right opportunities are available in our schools and communities.
The School Sport Survey provides our children and young people with an opportunity to have a voice and have a say on sport and physical activity both in their school and in their community. The results from the survey are vitally important to schools and partners to plan and deliver opportunities and programmes that meet the demands and needs of our children and young people. It was very reassuring to read in the 2013 School Sport Survey report that 60% of children and young people enjoyed their PE lessons and sport outside of school a lot. Enjoyment of sport is key to getting people hooked on sport, which in turn is more likely to lead to active lifestyles as adults.
Food and fitness is one of the key themes of the Healthy Schools Scheme. Schools are asked to demonstrate what opportunities they provide for physical activity and how they promote the health benefits of an active lifestyle with their pupils. Opportunities to participate in sporting activities are a key contribution as is the development of physical literacy, giving young people the core skills and competencies to enjoy sport.
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