The Vital Role of PE in Combating Childhood Obesity

Throughout this blog Jack explores how nurseries and homes can combat childhood obesity with healthy eating habits.

At Fennies, we are committed to ensuring that children develop lifelong healthy habits through regular physical activity and balanced nutrition. To do this we require a strong collaboration between each of the nurseries and parents, our PE Specialist, Jack, takes the lead on this partnership. Throughout this blog Jack explores how nurseries and homes can combat childhood obesity with healthy eating habits.  

My role as P.E specialist is more than a profession—it's a commitment to shaping the physical and overall health of our young learners. I am at the forefront of our mission to combat childhood obesity, actively engaging in initiatives that merge physical activity, nutrition education, and a strong partnership with parents. These are some of the ways that can help combat obesity.

Integrating Physical Activity into Daily Routines

Making movement an intrinsic part of each child's day, encouraging movement is central to forming these habits. At Fennies we recognise the transformative power of physical activity, we create tailored PE sessions that are not only enjoyable but also age-appropriate, incorporating exercises, games, and activities that foster a love for fitness. We ensure that throughout these activities the children are exposed to a variety of exercises, dances, and sports, encouraging them to find joy in moving their bodies in diverse ways. There are many different ways that you can incorporate movement into your daily routine at home…

• Going for a daily walk
• Organise a family game night with active games like charades, treasure hunts, or dance-offs.
• Set up an obstacle course in an outdoor space using household items e.g pillows, chalk, tape etc
• Limit screen time - Set a timer during screen time breaks to remind children to get up and move around. This can be a quick stretch, a short walk, or some jumping jacks.

Bring the learning home: We have some wonderful home learning videos on our YouTube channel!

Nutrition Education

Understanding the integral link between physical health and nutrition is very important when combating childhood obesity, at Fennies I extend my PE sessions beyond traditional exercises. The PE curriculum seamlessly integrates nutrition education, emphasising to children that their diet plays a crucial role in supporting their active lifestyles. Guidance on healthy snack habits and hydration awareness further enhances the holistic approach to well-being. Introducing nutrition education at home can be a very easy way to combat childhood obesity, these are some of the ways you can introduce nutrition education.

• Lead by Example: Demonstrate healthy eating habits by making nutritious food choices yourself. Avoid keeping unhealthy snacks at home, and opt for whole foods and fresh produce.

• Cook Together: Involve children in meal preparation to teach them about different food groups and cooking techniques.Discuss the nutritional value of ingredients and how they contribute to a balanced diet.
• Grocery Shopping Education: Take children grocery shopping and explain how to read food labels.

Teach them to identify nutritious foods and understand the importance of choosing a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

• Portion Control: Educate children about portion sizes to help them develop a sense of appropriate serving sizes.
• Use visual aids or everyday objects to illustrate portion sizes for different food groups.

Collaboration with Parents for Consistency

The success of our initiatives relies on a strong partnership between Fennies and parents, with my role at the forefront, this involves leading parent workshops that provide insights into the significance of physical activity and nutrition. Active communication channels ensure that parents are well-informed about their child's progress and equipped with practical tips for maintaining an active lifestyle at home. Additionally, home fitness sessions, spearheaded by the PE specialist, emphasise the importance of family involvement in nurturing a holistic approach to fitness.

I play a pivotal role in integrating physical activity with nutrition education and fostering strong connections with parents, collectively sowing the seeds for a healthier, more vibrant future.

The garden isn't just a place for play—it's a foundation for healthy futures that I actively contribute to shaping! As the PE specialist at Fennies Nurseries, my journey is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the children in our care. With the help of the parents at Fennies I play a pivotal role in integrating physical activity with nutrition education.

Together, we empower these children to embrace a lifestyle of fitness and well-being that will accompany them on their lifelong journey.