YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

School Sport Continuing to Improve in Most Schools.

WHEN I was in primary school we played football, ran cross country and if we were lucky we played a bit of cricket.

At the time I loved playing sports but opportunities were limited and I was one of the lucky ones who was able to represent my school in various sports.

Over the last few years, things have significantly improved.

Since the introduction of school sports premium funding by central government, all primary schools receive thousands of pounds that should be ring-fenced for providing sports for students.

Rossendale Leisure Trust - in partnership with the School Games Organiser Nathan Bibby based at Fearns High School - have created one of the most successful primary school sports programmes in the country. Rossendale ranks in the top 10 per cent in the country for the percentage of children engaged in sport in schools.

Our schools have access to more than 120 sports competition dates over the school year in a huge variety of different sports.

The Leisure Trust’s team of coaches deliver more than 4,000 hours of professional specialist sports coaching in primary schools; giving children the opportunity to try everything from golf to tennis, handball to athletics. The exciting thing is that there is even more that could be offered, should schools want to access it.

The evidence that regular physical activity aids learning, improves concentration, reduces anxiety and generally enhances children’s welfare is very clear.

Children should have two PE sessions per week, every week, and this coming year schools are encouraged to introduce a mile a day for all children.

Overall as a district we are well ahead of the pack but there are still big differences in the sport provision within schools in Rossendale. Is your school taking part and are your children getting as much physical activity as they should at school?

I’d love to hear about your experience, get in touch on social media @kenmasser.