Scheme helping children to be physically active

The programme has worked with Bradford schools to get children moving throughout the day

A programme launched in Bradford to help get children from deprived backgrounds more physically active has made a positive difference, research has shown.

A study into children's activity levels was conducted by researchers at Born in Bradford, alongside Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bradford.

It found that JU:MP, a Sport England-funded scheme introduced five years ago, improved children's total physical activity by more than 70 minutes a week.

It also found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had improved by nearly six minutes on weekdays and inactivity had reduced by more than 21 minutes a day on weekends.

The JU:MP programme has been working with Bradford schools to increase movement throughout the school day.

Children at The Academy at St James, a primary school in Allerton, have taken part in the project for children aged between five and 14.

Chris Wainman, PE and outdoor learning lead, said: "It's a great opportunity to get the children away from their classroom setting, come outside and have fun in an outdoor environment."

Children go outside in small groups throughout the week as part of the scheme, with the whole class having an outdoor lesson once a week.

"We'll do fire pits, den building, creative art," Mr Wainman said.

"Some of the children struggle in class and then they come out here and they really excel.

"They might not be able to draw in a classroom or in an art lesson but they come out here and they create the best piece of art they have ever done."

Chris Wainman says children have flourished with outdoor learning

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of place at Sport England, said: "We know up and down the country, where you live has an impact on whether you have the opportunity to be active or not.

"It's just not fair."

Dr. Sally Barber, director of physical activity at Born in Bradford and co-research director of JU:MP, said: "What JU:MP has achieved is testament to the individuals and communities who have come together to design ways to build physical activity into all parts of children's lives."

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