Policy Briefing: Active after-school clubs are important for improving children's physical activity

The Government’s current childhood obesity strategy outlines a key role for school-based physical activity in the prevention of obesity in children. Large numbers of primary school children do not meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation of an hour per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (activities that make children slightly out of breath and sweaty).

Active children are more likely to become active adults, which is important because adult physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of a number of diseases such as heart disease. Childhood is a key period for the development of the skills and confidence needed to be active across the life-span. Active children also have better physical and mental health.

This briefing highlights the finding that after-school is a key time for children to be physically active. It also identifies training for existing school staff as a potentially cost-effective way of increasing physical activity provision.