Thursday, 12th October 2006

School power-walks fight obesity

A Dorset school has introduced break-time power-walks for children who are driven to school. Bere Regis School introduced the measure after noticing about half its pupils were being driven to school.

The power-walks are aimed at tackling obesity

Students are led on a daily two-lap walk of the school field after morning break-time to help increase fitness and tackle obesity.

The school says the idea has been welcomed by pupils and parents and was praised in a recent Ofsted inspection.

Deputy head teacher Debbie Tibbey said: "The area is rural and a very busy road runs past the school, which means parents are reluctant to walk to school. We walk twice round the school field every day, as long as the weather is good, and we've noticed a real difference in the children's fitness."

The 69-pupil first school, which has Healthy School Status and participates in the annual Walk to School Week, does not have hot school meals. The school said the power-walks were a concerted effort to help tackle childhood obesity.

Mrs Tibbey added: "We've also noticed a good all-round improvement with behaviour and concentration."

Ofsted inspectors, who rated the school as "good" last month, said in their report: "Pupils have an excellent understanding of healthy living and participate enthusiastically in the range of opportunities provided by the school to support healthy lifestyles."

In a letter to the pupils, the inspectors said: "We were really impressed by all the things you do, including your 'power-walks' to keep healthy."

 

Return to the Village in the News Page

© Bere Regis Village Website 2009 - Site by Chola Desig