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Thousands of children take on steps challenge

People, Health and Care
15:32, Thursday, 7th March 2019

North Lincolnshire Council working with the Get Ahead Partnership has set-up the Let’s Get Stepping challenge to help more primary school pupils be more active at school.

Primary schools are competing against each other to achieve the highest steps count. The initiative started in January 2019 and since then over 15 million steps have been taken by 20 schools.

Let’s Get Stepping seeks to increase children’s and teacher’s levels of physical activity which helps:

  • Build confidence and social skills
  • Develop coordination
  • Improves concentration and learning
  • Strengthens muscles and bones
  • Improves health and fitness
  • Improves sleep
  • Makes you feel good
  • Maintains healthy weight

It’s not too late for schools to sign up to the challenge, which is open to all primary and infant schools in North Lincolnshire. If you would like your school to take part, contact Laura Borrie via laura.borrie@baysgarthschool.co.uk or 07702 75248. The next challenge will be starting on 11 March 2019.

Participating schools are provided with three pedometers per class (two for children and one for the class teacher).

Each day, two different children and a member of staff wear the pedometers; then every month, the participating class rotates within the school.

Great feedback has been received so far from those taking part:

  • “I really enjoyed wearing the Fitbit in the stepping challenge and since my mum has bought me a Fitbit watch to help me keep track of my steps the whole time!” – Year 5 pupil
  • “I didn’t realise how sedentary I can be.” “I am now consciously getting up and walking around during my PPA.” – KS2 Teacher
  • “Every break or lunch time children are coming up to me shouting ‘Miss, look how many steps I have done today!’” – Support Staff
  • “I am wearing the Fitbit today, so I am going to run lots of laps around the playground because I am super speedy!” – Year 1 pupil

Prizes will be awarded for schools and pupils achieving outstanding results. Winners will be announced at the end of the competition in July 2019.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“We are committed to ensuring all children get the best start in life; helping children stay healthy is an important way to do this.

“Keeping active is extremely important for children’s and adults’ health and wellbeing. Maintaining a healthy weight in childhood is important as very overweight children tend to grow up to be very overweight adults. This can lead to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

“All primary schools in North Lincolnshire can take part in the challenge to improve their health and fitness. The programme is already having a positive effect on those taking part.

“If your school isn’t already taking part and you would like to join in the steps challenge, get in touch.”