Early Years
Physical activity is a vital part of early years development, and should be included in day to day life. Active children are more likely to develop strong bones and muscles, maintain a healthy weight, improve emotional wellbeing and build confidence.
Young children are not doing enough physical activity.
National data shows that only 9% of boys and 10% of girls aged 2-4 years meet the Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity recommendations.
Children 1-5 years old should be physically active for at least 180 minutes throughout each day.
For babies under one years old, at least 30 minutes across the day of tummy time activity is recommended.
84% of children aged 2-4 years were classified as low activity group, meaning that they do less than one hour per day.
(National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2015) Physical activity; encouraging activity in all people in contact with the NHS)
Physical Activity Guidelines
The NHS guidelines on being physically active every day for healthy growth (0-5 years).
Recommendations
The UK Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation for physical activity for under 5 years.
Early Movers
Our work aligns with the UK wide coalition to tackle physical inactivity in early years children.
Physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development in the early years, regular movement helps children:
- Be healthy, happy, school ready, and sleep better
- Builds relationships and social skills
- Maintains health and weight
- Contributes to brain development & learning
- Improves sleep
- Develops muscles and bones
- Encourages movement, co-ordination, and motor skills
- Build confidence and independence through active play
- Support healthy weight management
- Establish positive habits that can lead to an active lifestyle in later childhood and adult life
Within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 19.9% of children of reception age are overweight and obese.
The prevalence of overweight and obese children age 4-5 years are within:
- 23.7% Fenland
- 22.9% Peterborough
- 22.1% Huntingdonshire
- 18.5% East Cambs
- 17.5% South Cambridgeshire
- 16.2% Cambridge
From the Governments English indices of deprivation for 2025 (Local Deprivation Explorer 2025) we can see the Income Deprivation Affecting Children (IDACI) heatmaps which show the districts in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough where they are more or less deprived compared with the national average.
South Cambs
Peterborough
Huntingdon
Fenland
East Cambs
Cambridge
Active Start
Every movement counts – object play, swimming, messy play, dancing, walking, jumping, throwing/catching games, scootering, playground games, climbing, skipping, and biking.
We encourage families to embrace active lifestyle options by:
- Visting local parks and open spaces
- Taking part in active games at home
- Limiting prolonged periods of sitting
- Being positive role models for active living
The early years Active Start programme aims to give every child in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough the best possible start in life through physical activity. The programme embeds movement into everyday activities, children develop fundamental movement skills, confidence, creativity and a lifelong positive relationship with being active.
Research shows that active children are more likely to be healthy, school ready and engaged learners, with habits that last into adult life.
Every movement counts – object play, swimming, messy play, dancing, walking, jumping, throwing/catching games, scootering, playground games, climbing, skipping, and biking.
We encourage families to embrace active lifestyle options by:
- Visting local parks and open spaces
- Taking part in active games at home
- Limiting prolonged periods of sitting
- Being positive role models for active living
The Active Start programme aims to give every child in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough the best possible start in life through physical activity. The programme embeds movement into everyday activities, children develop fundamental movement skills, confidence, creativity and a lifelong positive relationship with being active.
Lived Experience Forums
We are keen to hear from early years settings and parents to understand about the barriers to physical activity and how we can support you. We believe in co-design with local communities, to find solutions with a community. Over the autumn, we will be holding a number of lived experience forums in the following areas:
- North Cambridge
- Peterborough
- Wisbech
Find out more
We are running a series of workshops for early years practitioners to access. Get in touch with our team to be a part of this exciting opportunity.
Partnership opportunities with Living Better
Our goal is to create a healthier, more active future for everyone. By focusing on areas of greatest need, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind, and every community has the opportunity to thrive through physical activity. If you’re interested in our mission and want to get involved, contact us today!