Go Well, a Community Interest Company based in Chilton, welcomed Paul Howell MP on Friday 14th May, as they showcased how schools in south Durham are putting the health and wellbeing of the pupils at the heart of their Covid-recovery plans.
Research released this week by the Schools Active Movement, which Go Well is part of, revealed a shocking picture. Of the teachers surveyed in this area, 100% reported a decrease in physical fitness amongst their pupils, 93% a decline in general wellbeing and 79% a reduction in fundamental movement skills.
During his visit, Paul Howell MP saw lunchtime activities at Byerley Park School, Newton Aycliffe and enjoyed the spectacle of a colour run at Walworth School. He also talked to staff at Sedgefield Primary School and learned how the school is using physical activity to help improve children’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Sarah Price, managing director at Go Well, which supports schools to help their pupils develop healthy active futures, said: “We are dedicated to using the power of PE, school sport and physical activity to improve lives. We are very pleased Paul Howell, MP, has taken the time to visit us and our schools, and to understand the difficulties facing teachers as they help pupils who have missed out on so much over the past twelve months. The long-term health and wellbeing of children is at risk. We urgently need Government to announce the continuation of the PE and Sport Premium Funding for the next academic year. This will enable schools to access the support and opportunities their staff and pupils need to inspire and build healthy active futures.”
Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield, said: “Physical activity makes such a difference, not only to our physical health but to our mental wellbeing too. I was pleased to have this opportunity to see how Go Well and our local schools are supporting children to develop healthy habits for life.”
