A new daily exercise regime has been rolled out across Charlton Manor in a bid to improve fitness and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Pupils at the primary school on Indus Road, Charlton get their day off to a healthy start ‘whatever the weather’ by taking part in what the school is calling the Daily Circuit, 30-minute exercise regime.

Children, parents and staff take part in the daily exercise sessions and circuit training to develop fitness. It’s voluntary but the children love it.

Mum Sidneia Thornton attends every morning with her two children, aged 5 and 7.

She said: “It’s a great start to the day and the children really enjoy it. For myself I have managed to lose weight and it sets me up for the day. As for the children, it starts their day and wakes them up. Getting them ready to spend the day learning in school. It’s a great idea and I hope it continues. Exercise is important for everyone of all ages.”

The class provides a whole-body workout and attracts lots of children and their parents.

Tess Coller, PE teacher at the school, said: “It’s all about encouraging a healthier lifestyle from an early age.

“The daily sessions include jogging, press-ups, sit-ups and burpees, the exercises develop upper body strength as well as stamina and encourage the children to improve their fitness.

“We’re responding to Government recommendations, tackling childhood obesity and physical inactivity head on. We’re the first school in Greenwich to do it and we’re urging all schools to get involved.”

Charlton Manor has a national reputation for its emphasis on healthy approaches through the curriculum, they featured in Jamie Oliver’s documentary ‘Sugar Rush’ as the leading school in teaching food education and healthy approaches. Their two full-time professional chefs deliver many aspects of the curriculum through cookery and the school, in Indus Road, holds an annual Food Education Conference that attracts celebrity chefs, schools and health professionals from all over the country.

To find out more visit the Charlton Manor Primary School website www.charltonmanorprimary.co.uk

Submitted by Carol Ann Walters