We are Healthy Kidz. And this is The Move Movement.
Healthy Kidz is a coaching organisation delivering engaging and effective physical activity sessions in primary schools across Northern Ireland. To date we have over 130 schools moving in the right direction and embracing a new way of keeping fit while having fun. It’s just how we move!
We’re an ambitious bunch; here to prove that getting active and staying active is transformative. We’re firm believers that mindful movement boosts both mental and physical health as well as fostering a real sense of happiness and belonging. Healthy Kidz is here to provide the highest standard of physical activities for every child in your school.
This is a joint effort. We know that every school is different, and every child is unique. And this is where the challenge lies. This is where teamwork comes into play. Through collaboration, we see the opportunity to create an effective physical education platform for every student to thrive. A movement that works for your school. Working hand in hand and moving together towards a healthier lifestyle for all. Below are some details of our programmes that will benefit all pupils, all abilities, and all ambitions.
· Award-winning, all-inclusive programmes covering the NI PE curriculum
· Cross-curricular Schemes of Work and Lesson Plans ensuring differentiation to all abilities and year groups
· Access NI certified Physical Activity Leaders
· Perfect for all school sizes
· Testing of all KS2 pupils establishing baselines for goal-setting and improvement
· Fun and fitness guaranteed!
We want every pupil to realise their potential and achieve their goals. Contact us to find out more about what Healthy Kidz can offer your school this year, including financial packages to work within your budget.
The next bunch of superstars are ready and waiting.
Let’s get MOVING, together.
Physical Activity Guidelines
The World Health Organisation suggests that Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should:
- Do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity (MVPA), mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week.
- Incorporate vigorous-intensity aerobic activities, as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 days a week.
- Limit the amount of time spent being sedentary, particularly the amount of recreational screen time.
Benefits of Physical Activity
- Improves bone and heart health, cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength.
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety, increases confidence, supports self-esteem and happiness
- Enhances academic attainment, cognitive performance, focus and concentration as well as memory function
NI Curriculum Recommendations
The Department of Education recommends that schools should provide pupils with at least two hours of curricular Physical Education each week. These two hours should cover:
- Athletics (the basis of running, jumping and throwing)
- Dance (many activities can be linked to music and drama)
- Games (sending, receiving and travelling)
- Gymnastics (simple control and movement)
- Swimming (required only at Key Stage 2).
Children should have opportunities to develop their Cross-Curricular Skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT, and their Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities through Physical Education.
NI Curriculum - Reality
Research from the Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study (2018) shows that:
- 20% of primary school aged children meet physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day of MVPA
- 19% receive no more than 30 minutes of PE per week
- Fewer girls meet the guidelines when compared to boys
- Higher levels of self reported happiness were associated with more days where 60 minutes of MVPA were achieved.
Compound this with the fact that in-service primary generalist teachers lack confidence to teach PE effectively with limited opportunities to improve.
