Early years and family activity guide

Early Y ears and Family Activity Guide 2013

The Early Years Physical Activity Guidelines

The introduction of UK early years physical activity guidelines reflect a growing awareness of their importance and follows the lead of other major international countries. They are based on evidence from research and the combined input from experts in this field of study.These guidelines are relevant to all children under the Age of five and are aimed at the following groups:

Early years (under fives) –Infants who cannot yet walk unaided:Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floorbased Play and water-based activities in safe environments.

Pre-school children who can walk unaided: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.

Why do we need physical activity guidelines for the early years?There has been a growing concern in recent years about a lack of physical activity and increased sedentary behaviour among young children. Children under five have not previously been included in UK public health guidelines and those devised for the 5-18 age groups are neither suitable nor appropriate for most under fives. Children under five need time to play and master their physical environment and develop fundamental movement skills.

The importance of physical activity for children in the early yearsduring the period from birth to five years, is critical to optimal growth and development. During this time babies and young children undergo rapid and wide-ranging physical and psychological developments which lay the foundation for their future health and well-being. The early years is also an important time in the establishment of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Data from tracking studies show support for a link between higher levels of physical activity leading to more sustained participation in physical activity in later years, therefore it is important to establish a high level of activity at the

earliest age, in order to provide the best start to encourage activity patterns and habits later in childhood that are suffi cient to benefi t long term good health. At no other point will children learn so many physical skills as they do in the fi rst fi ve years of life! The benefi ts of young children being physically active go way beyond just the physical benefi ts. Research has shown that being physically active can help with the development of:

• Motor skills eg balance, coordination• Maintaining a healthy weight• Strong bones, muscles and heart• Social skills ie how to interact, take turns and getting on and

caring about others.

It is also widely believed that physical activity can help with the development of:

• Self confi dence• Communication skills including how to solve problems and make

decisions• Establishing good habits for being Active so they will continue

to be active throughout the rest of their childhood and beyond.• Developing important brain structures.• Developing immediate and long-term good health outcomes

Mums N Tot’s YogaCost: £2 per adult children are FREE

A fun class for mum’s and toddlers up to 5 year olds. Gentle yoga Movements with relaxing music to stimulate both mental and Physical development. Gives mum’s the chance to get toned whilst interacting with their little ones!Thursdays 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Thringstone Miners Social Centre, Holmstead Road, LE67 8LL

Buggycise Cost: FREEA 6 week course aimed at mums wanting to get back into shape and involves a combination of strengthening and toning exercises. Each weekly session will last approx 1.5 hours and will be led by a qualifi ed pre and post natal fi tness instructor.

Monday 3rd June - 8th July 10am - 11.30am at Castle Donington venue meeting at Castle Donington Sure Start Centre.Wednesday 17th July – 21st August 10am - 11.30am at Moira Furnace.Monday 15th July – 19th August 10am - 11.30am at The Hermitage Leisure Centre, Whitwick.Monday 2nd September – 7th October 10am - 11.30am at Ibstock venue TBC

Booking is required limited spaces are available Contact Zara Barnes on Tel 01530 454606 or email [email protected]

Active TotsCost: FREEThese sessions run during the term time and are ideal for families with under 5’s. Active Tots sessions have been created to promote and encourage physical activity in under 5’s and their parents / carers / guardians through Storytelling, Fun and stimulating games, Toddler exercise and physical activities. The sessions give families the opportunity to develop skills whilst taking part in singing, acting, sharing and playing.All the activities are designed to:• Off er educational development / fun and enjoyment.• Encourage the full integration of families • Be used with individuals, small groups and large groups.Active Tots supports learning across many areas by:• Enhancing communication skills through the visual and verbal

interaction involved in the activities and through the use of key words. • Developing fi ne and gross motors skills through various movements. • Developing understanding and recognition of colour through

equipment and its use in the activities.• Encouraging children to learn about their bodies and what they can

do themselves.Mondays 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Ibstock Sure Start Centre starting Monday 2nd September 2013Tuesday 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Warren Hills Sure Start CentreThursday 10am - 11am at Measham Sure Start CentreThursday 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Moira Sure Start CentreFriday 10am - 11.30am at Castle Donington Sure Start CentreNo need to book just turn up

Mini Multi SportsCost: FREEThese sessions replace the popular Active Tot’s sessions during the summer holidays. The sessions include sports day games, parachute games plus much more.

Mondays from the 15th July - 19th August 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Ibstock Sure Start CentreTuesdays from 16th July – 27th August 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Warren Hills Sure Start CentreThursdays from 18th July – 29th August 1.30pm - 2.30pm at Moira Sure Start CentreFridays from 19th July – 23rd August 10am - 11.30am at Castle Donington Sure Start Centre


Story Time Walks Cost: FREEThese sessions take place at the story time area at Moira Furnace, the session involves a short walk and a story the children will be given a mask of a character from the sessions chosen story. The session is suitable for toddlers through to primary aged children.

Thursday 18th July starting at 10am the Billy Goats Gruff Thursday 1st August starting at 10am Little Red Riding HoodThursday 15th August starting at 10am GoldilocksWednesday 28th August starting at 10am Jack and the bean stalk


Beginners Family GeocachingCost: £2 per familyMake Walking fun by turning it in to a game, Geocaching is a modern day twist to the popular treasure hunt game it is a fantastic way of enjoying the outdoors whilst having fun, it is an ideal activity for the whole family to enjoy, come along as an individual or as a team, Equipment is provided.

Wednesday 17th July 10.30am at Snibston Country Park (New Route)Tuesday 30th July 10.30am at Hermitage Recreation Ground Wednesday 14th August 2pm at Moira FurnaceThursday 22nd August 10.30am at Grace Dieu Woods


Coming soon...Creepy Crawler sessions, Garden tot’s, Healthy tot’s, Mini Movers, Early moversPlease keep a look out on:Website: www.nwleics.gov.uk

NWLactivetogether

@nwleicsLSA

ContactsFor more information regards early years and family Physical activity sessions please contact Zara Barnes on Tel 01530 454606 or email [email protected]

For information regards the activities available within Sure Start Centers please contact 0116 3055993

Documents

Early years and family activity guide