Early years educators are being invited to attend free Active Start training sessions.
Active Start is a programme managed by Active Cumbria which brings the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum to life through physical activity and active play.
Sessions include practical activities which teach new skills to incorporate active play and movement into daily lessons.
In the 2021/22 academic year, 85.2 per cent of children in Cumbria reached the expected level in physical development by the end of their reception year. The Active Start programme aims to increase that number even further.
The programme is now in its third and final year and new course dates are being offered in Workington, Whitehaven, and Penrith.
Kelly Alty, Active Cumbria Development Officer and Active Start Programme Lead, said:
“Active Start is designed to provide early years professionals with the tools they need to incorporate active play and movement across the broader curriculum, supporting children on their development journey during their early years.
“The resources and practical training from our course leader Lesley Minervini, provides everything needed to introduce Active Start in early years settings.
“More than 230 early years professionals have already benefitted from the training, and we encourage those who haven’t yet had the opportunity, to book their place and take advantage of this free programme during the final year of delivery.”
Autumn term courses are taking place in October and November. Further details and booking information can be found on the Active Cumbria website.
Active Cumbria is the active partnership for the county, hosted by Cumberland Council. It works in partnership with a wide range of organisations with a shared vision of increasing participation in physical activity and sport across Cumbria. Its programmes support physical activity and movement from early years through to older adults.