The 60-Minute Divide: Why Half of England’s Children Are Still Missing Key Activity Targets
(By: The Guardian) A Dual Reality: Progress Versus Policy Failure The latest Active Lives Survey from Sport England reveals a paradoxical and deeply concerning picture of children's physical activity across the nation. On the one hand, there is genuine cause for celebration: 3.6 million children—the highest number since the survey began in 2017—are now meeting the Chief Medical Officers' guideline of participating in an average of more than 60 minutes of sport and physical activity every day. This figure, representing 49.1% of five- to 16-year-olds, marks a clear and encouraging positive trend, reflecting a 5.8% increase since 2017 and a solid 1.3% jump on the previous year. The 60-Minute Divide: Why Half of England’s Children Are Still Missing Key Activity Targets This improvement, as acknowledged by Sport England’s chief executive, Simon Hayes, showcases the positive impact of schools, sports clubs, and community organizations that have worked tirelessly to re-engage young...