A NEW scheme is aiming to improve the health of over 900 children and toddlers across West Yorkshire by encouraging them to walk to and from school.
The Little Feet initiative, by Living Streets, is hoping to instil positive habits in children aged between two and five.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has invested £55,000 in the scheme, and met with children and parents at Lapage Primary School on Barkerend Road this morning (Tuesday).
West Yorkshire is one of the first areas in the UK to launch a dedicated early years walking programme, and the scheme will support 30 nurseries and schools in the region.
“Walking to school is vital. Active children have better minds and are ready to engage,” Ms Brabin said.
“It also gives parents and children a great opportunity to bond away from phones.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this.”
Little Feet uses a sticker reward system as an incentive for children to walk to school and says the ‘park and stride’ option can be used by children who live far – parents can park their car a little bit further down the road and walk the remainder of the journey.
Ms Brabin added: “It was a joy to be at Lapage today and I’m delighted to be a pioneer in this.
“We hope these children can continue to enjoy active travel and sport as they get older.”
Dee Bhambra, Assistant Head at Lapage, added: “We want children to have a healthy future, and this is a great start.
“It’s very accessible – for children who live further out as well, for example – and is fun and engaging.
“It’s great to have Ms Brabin here, as she’s very passionate and shares our enthusiasm.”
Stephen Edwards, Living Streets CEO, also said: “Walking has huge benefits for mental and physical health, but 90 per cent of children aged two to four don’t meet physical activity guidelines.
“Walking also helps to improve road safety, contributes to cleaner air and helps to alleviate the climate emergency.
“The majority of road safety issues in big cities are caused by too many cars. Freeing up the streets can have a huge impact.”
Reception pupil Maliah said, “walking to school helps the planet, so I want to do more”, while classmate Zara added, “exercise is good for your heart and the planet, and it’s fun”.
One parent, Hamid, added: “Both my kids are active, we play tennis at the weekend, and walking is very important for their development.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel