Active Children and Young People
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0 – 5 years
During the early years, young children undergo rapid and wide ranging physical and psychological developments that lay the foundations for their future health and wellbeing.
Physical activity is central to optimal growth and development in the under fives. Evidence shows that regular physical activity develops motor skills, promites healthy weight, enhancing bone and muscular development and social skills.
Active Tamworth wants to highlight the essential role of physical activity in promoting physical and psychological development during these years and contributing towards establishing patterns of behaviour that may persist into later childhood and adulthood.
Guidelines for early years
- 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 fives should minimise the amount of time spent staying still for extended periods (except time spent sleeping).
Young people 5-18yrs
During this period, children and young people establish behaviour patterns that have important implications for their immediate and long-term health and wellbeing.
However, it is often the case that during this period of a person’s life there are many emotional and institutional transitions that take place which will often lead to reductions in physical activity due to an increase in certain sedentary behaviours which go on to have a huge impact on public health.
Active Tamworth wants to help children and young people to establish and maintain high levels of physical activity into adulthood. By doing this we will be able to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases later in life.
Guidelines for children and young people
- All children and young people should take part in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day.
- Vigorous intensity activities, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least three days per week.
- All children and young people should minimise the amount of time spent being still for extended periods.
