Agenda item

Childhood Obesity Update

Minutes:

The Public Health Programme Officer provided the Committee with an update on work being undertaken by the Council to reduce levels of childhood obesity.

 

Childhood obesity remained a local priority for a number of years and was an integral part of the Five Year Plan.  Current data indicated that 20% of children in reception year were overweight or obese and this rose to 40% by year 6.  It was recognised that childhood obesity was a complex issue and that changing the behaviours of children and families required a long term approach.  The Council was seeking to address the problems by providing services in 20 primary schools and children’s centre and with a range of programmes to promote activity and encourage healthier food choices.

 

The Committee discussed the Active Movement behaviour change programme which was originally piloted in two children’s centres, five primary and two secondary schools in late 2017.  Members commented that the programme was excellent and the Committee supported the roll out and expansion across Slough.  Concern was raised about the unhealthy food choices often provided by parents in school lunchboxes and asked what action the Council was taking to address the problem.  A healthy lunchbox scheme was adopted by a number of schools and recruitment was underway for two new posts to support schools and address gaps in provision.

 

The issues of takeaways near to schools and low levels of physical activity were raised and a Member suggested making swimming free at Council leisure centres.  It was responded that there were free facilities such as green gyms and multi use games areas in neighbourhoods to promote activity and that behaviour change was the key to improving performance.  It was recognised that parents had the most important role to play in this and should therefore be part of programmes to address the problem.

 

At the conclusion of the discussion the report was noted.

 

Resolved –  That the expansion of the holistic ‘Active Movement’ programme to all early years settings and across all Secondary Schools to ensure that Slough children are provided with the best start in life to be active and look after their weight be supported by the Committee and thus ensure a continuous pathway of behaviour change to reduce sedentary behaviour and inactivity from early years through to primary and secondary schools and on into adulthood.

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