Supporting Physical Activity in Children & Young People

Physical Activity

Children and young people aged 5 to 18 require on average at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day across the week to develop movement skills, muscles, and bones. Schools can support physical activity in a variety of ways:

  • Promote greenspaces: 41% of Barnet has green space coverage, with a park or open space within one mile of many homes. Therefore, there are plenty of green spaces that can be promoted to families and can be used by schools for physical activity. Visit the Barnet Council directory to find your closest park and open space.
  • Promote active travel: Walking, cycling & scootering to school helps children & young people be more physically active, reduces air pollution due to fewer cars on the road and supports anti-idling. Barnet has one of the highest numbers of schools awarded STARS (Sustainable Travel to and from their school that is Active, Responsible and Safe) accreditation from TfL. For more information or to sign up, please visit TFL travel for life. Also, check out the council’s School travel and transport webpage. If you require support with your school travel plan email schooltravelplans@barnet.gov.uk
  • Barnet Partnership for Schools Sports: Offers curriculum support and a range of activities to encourage pupils to engage in physical activity and sports across the borough. 
  • Promote home activities & the FAB hub: Please visit the FAB Hub for local activities and services available to children & young people in Barnet.
  • GLL Activate Assemblies: for more information email xplore.barnet@gll.org.

Sign up for school-based activity schemes such as the Barnet Golden Kilometre and the Daily Mile.