180 Katie
What do we know
180 Katie promotes the Physical Activity Guidelines for children aged under 5 years old as outlined in the UK Chief Medical Officers Report.
Children under 1 year of age – should be physically active several times every day in a variety of ways, including interactive floor-based activity, e.g. crawling, cruising etc. For non-mobile children this is at least 30 minutes of tummy time (prone position) spread throughout the day while awake (Remember – Tummy to play, Back to sleep). Physical activity is crucial for optimal growth and development
Toddlers aged 1-3 years – should spend at least 180 minutes (3 hours) per day in a variety of physical activities at any intensity, spread throughout the day. Remember to make activities more active to encourage movement and insert high energetic spurts throughout their day.
Pre-schoolers aged 3-4 years -should spend at least 180 minutes per day participating in physical activity and this should include at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous high intensity activity making the heart go boom, boom, boom, spread throughout the day. Remember to talk about the effects on their body before and after exercising.
- Department of Public Health and Social Care found that only 9% of boys and 10% girls aged 2-4 are achieving their physical activity recommendations of 180 minutes a day (DofH, 2016)
- Physical activity has positive effects on a child’s physical and mental health and wellbeing, including weight, blood pressure, bone health, social and cognitive skills and emotional development.
- Moderate and vigorous activity can be differentiated by the ‘talk test’: being able to talk but not sing indicates moderate intensity activity, while having difficulty talking without pausing is a sign of vigorous activity.
- Establishing physical activity as part of their daily routine from birth will give a child the best start.
180 Katie says:
- Make physical activity part of the daily routine at home and in early year’s settings.
- Enjoy being physically active, have fun and encourage children to join in.
- Children with active parents and carers are more likely to be active.
- Remember to make your hearts go Boom Boom Boom.
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