Active Start Programme
My name is Jackie Stevenson and as Active Start Manager my remit is to promote, develop and drive forward the aims of Active Start within Clackmannanshire.
Active Start
The Active Start programme has evolved over several years and involved collaborative efforts between various sectors of Clackmannanshire Council, namely Early Years, Sports Development and Psychological Services.
The activities in the Active Start programme are suitable for children 5 years and under and can be accessed by registered early years establishments i.e. School based Nurseries, Independent Nurseries, Family Centres, Playgroups and Mother and Toddler groups within Clackmannanshire.
Background
There is much evidence to support the importance of being physically active on the development of children aged 0 – 5 years. National documents and local pilot schemes emphasise the value of physical activities to :
- Stimulate brain development
- Increase confidence
- Promote positive use of energy and increased fitness
- Establish a healthy habit of being active
- Increase coordination skills leading to the development of fine motor skills
Aims
The Aims of Active Start are:
- To ensure that children have fun whilst participating
- To use the activities/sports to help their physical development
- To use elements of these activities/sports to develop social skills.
Programme
The Active Start programme incorporates a variety of activities/sports which helps to develop a child’s hand/eye co-ordination including throwing, catching and balancing, fine motor skills and social skills such as sharing and turn taking.
The activities which are offered to the pre-school establishments are:
- TOP Start
- Golf
- Football
- Orienteering
- Basketball
- Rackets
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Dance
Active Start Library
The Active Library is a source that Early Years establishments can utilise to borrow equipment. The following items are currently available :
- Golf Bag(s)
- Athletics Bag(s)
- Basketball Bag(s)
- Soccer Bag(s)
- Rackets Bag(s)
- TOP Start Bag(s)
- Play @ Home Videos
- The Importance of Being Videos
- “Physical Books” – Dundee City Council
- Orienteering Bag(s)
Training
There is an ongoing Training Programme available through Sports Development for nursery staff, parents and anyone else who is interested in becoming an assistant coach or coach. Specific training includes TOP Start training and Active Start training.
External Links
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Sports Development Manager, Sports Development
6 Marshill, Alloa, FK10 1AB
Tel: 01259 222352 / 450000 Fax: 01259 222351
Email: sportsdevelopment@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form.