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Think of young children and the images conjured in your mind’s eye are likely to feature diminutive balls of boundless energy, forever on the go once they’ve mastered the ability to walk, then run. Increasingly, though, more sedentary habits are taking hold – and that’s bad news when it comes to health and physical development.
It’s a topic several of our contributors address in this issue: Dr Leanne Jaye sets out the vital importance of fundamental movement skills to lifelong health in her article (page 40), while also highlighting worrying statistics about how little time some children are active each day. And in her piece on healthy food, Sal McKeown shares the view of one provider that lack of exercise is the biggest cause of the obesity crisis (page 20).
As always, the reasons behind this problem are varied – from ever-present screens to a lack of opportunity to play outside – but there’s no doubt that early years settings can make a meaningful contribution to society’s response. Over the following pages you’ll find tips on supporting movements large and small, both indoors and out, for every early years age group.
Whether it’s making the most of tummy time in the baby room, strengthening fine motor skills outdoors, or embracing the Daily Mile, there’s plenty here to help you develop healthy bodies.
Helen Mulley – Commissioning Editor
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For more information, contact: Samantha Law - Samantha.law@artichokehq.com
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