Survey finds more children getting active

THE results of a survey have shown more children in part of Leicestershire are physically active.

But there was also a significant fall in the number of children doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week compared with last year.

The Active Lives Children report, published by Sport England, provides an updated overview of sporting and physical activity levels in the 12 months to May 2019.

Melton’s activity level for children was 52.4 per cent, which means they are meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of 150 minutes or more activity each week).

That was an increase of 14.1 per cent compared with the previous 12 months – and above the England average of 46.8 per cent.

At the other end of the scale, the proportion of children not undertaking at least 30 minutes of physical activity a week was 27 per cent. The average across England was 29 per cent.

Councillor Alan Pearson, Melton Borough Council portfolio holder for housing and communities, said: “It is fantastic news the children of Melton are being encouraged to lead healthier lifestyles at home and at school, by becoming more physically active.

“Exercise is an important part of our daily lives. It helps our mental wellbeing and happiness as well as our physical fitness.

“Increased physical activity also has a positive impact on children’s learning ability, showing improvements in their reading and writing skills.

“Over the past couple of years, we have invested extra resources into our sports and leisure team in order to address these issues.

“This year, we aim to continue building on these excellent results and will work with partners to increase physical activity in our communities, making Melton a happier, healthier borough.”