Exercise a winning formula for kids

Daily exercise and a healthy diet have significantly improved the behaviour of a group of children with special needs.

The pupils at Cricket Green School in south west London took part in speed, agility and quickness exercises during PE lessons, lunchtimes, before school as well as during after-school clubs. The exercise was delivered by teachers and parents who received nationally-recognised training by SAQ® International to equip them with the skills to improve the children’s basic movement ability through structured activity.

The children also followed an optimal eating programme, after the school introduced a healthy lunch menu, fresh fruit snacks and water throughout the day, a daily multivitamin and an essential fat supplement for each child.

Sugary drinks and snacks were banned in school and parents also attended workshops to learn how to prepare and cook healthy food.

After seven months, teachers and parents observed impressive changes in the children’s behaviour, noting a drop in restlessness, inattention, anxiety, aches and pains.

The pilot project was conducted by Food for the Brain Foundation, a charity promoting the link between nutrition and mental health.

SAQ® International developed the training, equipment and resources for the campaign. It’s success lay in the fact that parents and teachers worked together every step of the way says, the foundation’s chief executive, Patrick Holford.

He said: “We have helped Cricket Green School, parents and children develop a new culture around food and nutrition that is both sustainable and affordable. This project demonstrates that an improved diet, plus supplements and daily exercise is a winning formula.”

SAQ International is also currently working with the Food for the Brain Foundation at another London primary school where students are achieving poor SAT results. Details: www.saqinternational.com, www.foodforthebrain.org