With childhood obesity never far from the headlines, it comes as welcome news to learn that Ireland's biggest health homework programme, Super Troopers with laya healthcare, has launched today.

The initiative, which encourages teachers, parents and children to treat the task of daily physical activity with the same importance as their regular school homework and other subjects, is now underway in more than 1,000 primary schools in Ireland.

Designed by teachers and supported by leading clinical psychologist and parenting expert, David Coleman, the programme aims to address the issue of childhood obesity while also encouraging positive attitudes towards healthy eating, well-being and exercise.

Clarifying the purpose of the programme, Lorraine Walsh, Head of Marketing at laya healthcare says: “The aim of Super Troopers is daringly simple. We want to instil positive health habits in kids and embed them in a powerful, impactful way that allows them become healthier adults.”

The pilot campaign which took place last year was met with much enthusiasm from participants, with 70% of parents saying that Super Troopers with laya healthcare increased activity levels at home for their child.

Offering further feedback, 94% of parents assert that encouraging physical activity as part of children’s everyday homework is something all schools should consider.
 


The benefits of the scheme are not only seen at home, however, with 71% of teachers reporting that Super Troopers encouraged an increase in children’s daily activity levels while just over a quarter of teachers noticed an improvement in children’s concentration levels in class .

Reinforcing the feedback, Mr. Coleman explains: “Super Troopers is unique in that it is the first health programme that bridges school with home, and connects kids with their  ‘triangle of influence’ - peers, teachers and families - to get more active and learn healthy habits together. It is building good habits from a young age.”

The programme, which runs over the course of 30 weeks and focuses its attention on children from junior infants right through to sixth class, provides an easy-to-follow physical activity homework planner based on short-burst activities that combine daily exercise with imaginative fun.
 


Commenting on the effect the pilot programme had on her pupils, Susan Gibney, Principal of Queen of Angels Primary School in Dublin 16, says: “The programme is inclusive and it made a tangible impact to the overall wellbeing of our school children and their families during the pilot year, so we didn’t hesitate to sign up again this year.”

“It’s no longer a case of ‘them’ and ‘us’ when it comes to parents and teachers and whose role it is to encourage children to get more physically active. With Super Troopers we work together collaboratively," she explained.

"It sounds so simple, but it really has delivered a breakthrough in our school’s approach to physical activity and general wellbeing,” she confirmed.

If you would like your child's school to take part in this incredible initiative, they have until Friday October 30th to register.

Find out more here!
 

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