Start to Play

Start to Play hits North West Leicestershire

NWLDC have offered Early Years settings within the district the opportunity to be involved in this physical activity initiative. This will help reduce the prevalence of obesity within young children.

Start to Play has given children in Early Years settings the opportunity to access free physical activity sessions in a fun and stimulating environment, which encompass story telling, fun and games.

Start to Play is a national accredited and recognised programme which supports the key outcomes and goals in the framework for the new Early Years Foundation Stage s

standards and guidance.

The last 12 months has seen all North West Leicestershire's Early Years Settings being offered a free place on a Start to Play workshop and a free resource bag

Start to Play is aimed at children aged 0-5 years, and replaces the Youth Sports Trust Top Tots and Top Start programme.

A total of 66 Early Years settings, 41 Foundation Stage classes and 29 childminders in

North West Leicestershire took part in the accreditation.

This initiative helps:

Increase settings activity levels in becoming more active,

Raise settings awareness of rising obesity levels,

Supports the new Healthy Tots programme which Early Years settings are

currently working towards.

Each Early Years setting that attended the workshop has received the accreditation in Start top Play and a free Start to Play resource bag.

Evaluations of the delivered Start to Play workshops indicates that 89% of settings have now increased their physical activity levels by either offering more physical activity time or offering structured and free play activities.

If you require further assistance or for more information please contact:

Kelly Baker,
Early Years Physical Activity Specialist

01530 454681

Pictures:

Top right - Orchard House Day Nursery

Middle left - Moira Infant School

Bottom right - Workshop for Foundation Stage Class teachers