EDUCATION

from Primary Times in Hereford & Worcester - MAY HALF TERM 2022

SCOOP

ALL THE NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS The Importance of Sport

Physical Health

Being physically healthy is extremely important for primary school children as their bodies begin to grow and they develop active sporting habits that can carry through to adulthood. According to the Primary Teaching Services (PTS), one in three UK children leave primary school overweight. Daily exercise through sports activities will burn excess calories; keeping weight gain to a minimum and benefitting a child’s bone and muscle strength.

Consistent physical activity also promotes healthy heart and lungs, lowers the risks of type 2 diabetes, and keeps blood pressure and cholesterol at a healthy level.

Regular exercise has also been shown to help children gain a better nights sleep, which in turn helps children to concentrate during school lessons.

Mental Wellbeing

As online learning, social media and video games become more popular with younger generations, primary school children are at risk of spending many hours of the day sat down, in front of a screen. Not only does this negatively impact a child’s physical health, it can also be a negative influence to their mental wellbeing.

Taking a break from screens to participate in a sport activity has been known to lower levels of stress and anxiety in children. It also gives children a chance to take a break from schoolwork, get some fresh air and connect with the outside world. This can create a positive attitude towards sports and exercise, which can carry through to adulthood.

Social Activities

Sport activities are a brilliant way of socialising and making new friends outside of the classroom environment.

Most sports, such as football or netball, require teamwork and team building skills, which can help a child to feel connected within a group and build upon their own social confidence.

Where to go?

There are many places that cater to children’s sports and general exercise. Try checking out what your local leisure centre or after school clubs have to offer. Sport classes are usually so much fun that your child might not even realise they are getting any exercise at all, and regular attendance will build confidence and friendships too.

You can also look to our What’s On Where guide in this issue of Primary Times to find fun sport clubs and activities in your local area that might interest you and your child.

If you are feeling anxious you are not alone!

At the Parenting with Anxiety Project at the University of Sussex, we are focused on finding ways to help parents and children navigate the world with confidence.

If you feel anxious you may find yourself feeling worried about your children. Our research shows that with the right support parents can help their children become more confident.

We now want to find out if families will benefit from an 8-module online course. If you would describe yourself as high in anxiety with a child aged 2-11 we would love you to join us.

Half of the parents will do the course and the others will just answer questions, but everyone is playing an important role in helping children with anxiety.

www.parentingwithanxiety.org.uk