We have recently been subject to a review of our involvement in the national Creating Active Schools programme. This aims to encourage and support schools to help children and the wide community to enjoy a more active lifestyle – something of huge importance in a week in which the government released new statistics around children’s health, with over 1 in 3 eleven year olds now statistically obese.
We like being more active mostly because our children enjoy it! This is why we have undertaken to include an extra 30 minutes of moderate exercise in each and every day.
The National Lead wants to make a case study of our commitment and success with this and commented:
I was blown away by the work/changes/ structures that have been put in place this year related to CAS. Particularly considering you do not have a CAS support system in your locality currently. To do all that work of your own volition really shows the passion you have for this agenda and creating cultural change at Parkdale.
Although the CAS programme is currently supporting over 250 schools nationally, I am yet to hear of a school which is taking your approach in order to build the capability and motivation of your staff and get ‘buy in’ for this work. I believe it is quite unique.
Andrew Daley-Smith, Professor of Physical Activity and Child Health, Co-Director of the Centre for Applied Educational Research at Bradford university, concurred
I would like to echo Alex’s comments. It sounds like you are leading some truly exceptional work at your school. It would be interesting to hear more about your journey and some of the activities you are implementing.