Healthy Eating For Reading Children

17 January 2012, 05:00 | Updated: 17 January 2012, 05:33

A pilot programme to get school children and their families to take control of their own healthy lifestyles starts today.

'Let's Get Going' is starting at Geoffrey Field Community school in South Reading.

25 pupils and their families will be motivated to get fit and learn more about healthy lifestyles over 8 weeks.

The aim is to get children 8 - 11 years old being more physically active and eating a healthier.

Sessions will be held after school with the last 20 minutes dedicated to giving parents guidance.

There will be cooking, gardening and supermarket sessions, as well as rock climbing and street dance.

Dr Onteeru Reddy Programme Lead for Obesity and Diabetes at NHS Berkshire West said:

"I’m delighted that we are able to offer local children this innovative programme, equipping primary school children and their families to lead healthier, active and fulfilling lifestyles.

"Parents will be expected to be involved in some activities like the supermarket trips, cook and eat and gardening sessions.

"Following the pilot the plan is to roll out Lets Get Going in schools and possibly some leisure centres and community venues across Berkshire West in 2012/13."

Charlie Clare the Head Teacher at Geoffrey Field Junior School is very excited by Lets Get Going saying:

"Getting our families involved in this programme will give them the opportunity to think about how best they can use the fresh fruit and vegetable available throughout the year; it builds on the allotment programme we have established in our school, which has been very popular.

"We know that if children eat a healthy diet they will have more energy to learn, and we are very keen to work with parents on this new programme."