PROMOTING the importance of regular exercise and outdoor play among young children is the focus of a new training initiative launched by Cheshire County Council.
A DVD showing under-fives engaged in physical and fun activities has been produced for childcare workers in private, voluntary, independent and maintained early years settings.
Titled Get Up, Get Out, Get Active, it shows parents and children in environments including a children’s centre, a childminder’s home, a reception class in a primary school, a walk in the countryside and sensory play in a special school.
Speaking at the DVD launch at Neston Children’s Centre, county manager for children and families, Sue Egersdorff, said: “This DVD has a crucial role in the battle to reduce childhood obesity.
“With one in five children classified as overweight, we have a duty to ensure exercise is perceived as not only essential but a fun and stimulating activity from birth.
“We wanted to meet the requirements of the Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage for Physical Development, as well as supporting children’s future health and wellbeing.”
Childcare workers wishing to find out more about the physical strategy DVD can contact lead early years pedagogue Julie Binnersley on 07990 746410 or the Childcare Workforce Development Team at Tarvin on 01829 741118.
