PRIMARY school children are getting into the summer spirit with a pledge to get fit over the holidays and into the new school year beyond.

The pupils, from Holy Family primary school in Marlowe Avenue, have committed to take part in the ten minute shake up programme which will see them start every morning before lessons with a burst of physical activity.

Parents are also being invited to take part alongside their children.

In the meantime, they are being encouraged to use the summer holidays to embrace the principle of keeping moving, setting themselves a target of 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Amanda Thoburn, who co-ordinates personal, social, health & economic education at the school, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the ten minute shake up campaign, which is a great way to inspire children to enjoy being more active.

“Regular bursts of activity have a really positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing and we’re confident our Wake Up Shake Up sessions will boost children’s energy levels, help their concentration and set them up for the learning day.

“We also want to encourage them to make the most of the summer holidays by being as active as possible.”

It’s not just in the playground that children are encouraged to be more active, the swimming pool also features in the summer plans.

This summer’s Shake Up theme is inspired by the new Disney Pixar blockbuster, Finding Dory and the Link Centre is supporting the initiative by offering swim sessions based around the film.

They will be open to families of all ages and abilities from July 22 until September 4.

A recent survey found that more than half of parents struggle for ideas during the school holidays and the majority of children say swimming is one of their favourite ways to stay active during the summer.

Physical activity helps children build social skills, boost self-confidence, improve bone and heart health and maintain a healthy weight.

As part of Public Health England’s Change4Life initiative, the Ten Minute Shake Up campaign is now in its third year and all primary schools have received teaching resources, making it easier for teachers to deliver physical activity throughout the day.

Holy Family also recently gained a silver Healthy Schools award following its impressive work to reduce the amount of sugar pupils are consuming.

Mrs Thoburn said: “We ran a Sugar Swap challenge and all classes got really into it.

“The children enjoyed it so much they are keeping it going and the whole process has sparked some very positive discussions about how much sugar was going into their bodies, often without even realising it.

“They now choose water or milk, instead of fizzy drinks or even low-sugar alternatives.

“We’re very proud of all our pupils and also grateful to parents, who have also been so supportive in instilling these habits at home too as well as in their lunchboxes.”

Certificates and family gym passes were given out before the end of term in recognition of the children’s achievements.