Information, guidance, and teaching resources about physical activity in schools.
These resources may help if you're completing our physical activity specialist or other healthy schools awards.
Physical activity is necessary for a healthy life.
Schools should deliver at least 30 minutes of physical activity Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childhood-obesity-a-plan-for-action/childhood-obesity-a-plan-for-action (opens new window) every day, through:
- active break times
- PE, at least two hours a week
- extra-curricular clubs
- active lessons
- other sport and physical activity events
Physical education (PE) is a compulsory part of the curriculum Go to https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/statutory-curriculum (opens new window) for all pupils at every Key Stage, from age 4 to 16. Departmental guidance recommends that schools should provide pupils with a minimum of two hours curricular PE per week.
Why physical activity is important
- improve concentration and attention
- reduce anxiety and stress
- have positive mental wellbeing
- with their academic achievements
- have better physical health such as healthy weight, muscular strength, bone health, and cardiorespiratory fitness
- have a positive sense of self
Physical activity can also benefit school staff by:
- improving mood
- reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
- reducing the risk of illnesses
- managing long term health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity
How much physical activity children should be doing
The government's childhood obesity plan for action Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childhood-obesity-a-plan-for-action/childhood-obesity-a-plan-for-action (opens new window) recommends that:
- children get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day
- at least 30 minutes should be delivered in school every day
- the remaining 30 minutes should be supported by parents and carers outside of school time
Support your staff to exercise
To support your staff to get exercise, you should:
- give them information on the benefits that even small amounts of exercise have towards health and wellbeing
- encourage staff to take breaks and go outside at lunchtime
- put workplace challenges in place, such as taking the stairs and not the lift or swapping the car for a bike twice a week
- promote active travel, such as cycling or walking to school
Physical activity resources
Governors
What works in schools and colleges to increase physical activity? On GOV.UK.
Advice from Modeshift Stars on planning active travel to school Go to https://www.modeshiftstars.org/ (opens new window).
Living Streets walk to school initiatives, resources stories Go to https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school/primary-schools (opens new window).
Activities and posters from This Girl Can encouraging girls and young women to take up sport Go to https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/activities/ (opens new window).
NICE guidance on childhood physical activity Go to https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph17 (opens new window).
NICE guidance onphysical activity in the workplace Go to https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph13 (opens new window).
Teachers and school staff
Parents and Carers
Getting active at home: ideas and games with Active for Life Go to https://activeforlife.com/49-fun-physical-activities-to-do-with-kids-aged-2-to-4/ (opens new window).