Physical Activity & Nutrition

Young people do not all have equitable access to nutritious food or opportunities to take part in physical activity and sport. Health inequalities can be a consequence of this and can increase the risk of poor health outcomes. Those living in the most deprived areas often consume less fruit, vegetables and more ultra process foods. Diet and activity levels are influenced by several factors, many of which are outside a person's control.  

Eating well and staying active can support health and wellbeing.  Raising awareness and promoting healthy habits is key for better health. For example, support young people to eat healthy snacks and participate in regular physical activity.  

Physical activity is about getting people moving regardless how big or small the activity is and contributes to mental health and wellbeing. Public Health Scotland's Physical Activity Recommendations for children and young people (0-5 years, 5-18 years and disabled children) can be found here. 

The following video clip outlines the benefits of physical activity.  It highlights some ways in which children and young people can incorporate more movement into their day. 

Our diet affects our oral health.  Good oral health habits and diet supports the development of healthy teeth and gums for children and young people.  

More children and young people are consuming Caffeinated Energy Drinks. These drinks can have an impact on physical and mental health and may be associated with other Multiple Risk behaviours. For more information click here 

Your Body Matters

Stage: Primary School 

Description: The Your Body Matters curriculum pack explores the topics of food, nutrition, physical activity, food waste and sustainability and body image and self-esteem. The pack is made up of Teacher Notes, Lesson plans and Activities which have been mapped to the benchmarks for assessment outlined within the Curriculum for Excellence. .  

Your Body Matters is now available from the NHSGGC website. For more information click here

NHS Inform  

Provides information on food and health including eating well, food packing and food safety. For more information click here  

The Daily Mile  

Is a physical activity initiative that promotes Health and Wellbeing for every child. It is active in every Local Authority in Scotland. For more information click here

Actify  

Enables sport and physical activity organisations to create and host digital content, learn from one another, and support their audience. For more information click here

Community Food and Health Scotland 

Community Food and Health (Scotland) or CFHS aims to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity, ability and confidence to access a healthy and acceptable diet for themselves, their families and their communities. Find out more via the CFHS website by clicking here  

Vitamin D 

 The Scottish Government recommendations for vitamin D can be found here

Vitamins D supplements can be accessed for free for those who are eligible. For more information click here

Green Spaces of Greater Glasgow and Clyde 

Green Spaces of Greater Glasgow and Clyde is a resource that details available green spaces. For more information Click here 

The Eatwell Guide 

The Eatwell Guide provides Government recommendations and guidance on what should be included in a healthy and balanced diet. For more information click here  

Food a fact of life 

'Food a fact of life' is a comprehensive, progressive education programme which communicates up-to-date, evidence-based, consistent and accurate messages around ‘food’ to all those involved in education. For more information click here

Scottish Wildlife Trust

Suggests activities for children and young people across Scotland. For more information click here

Oral Health 

Childsmile is a national programme designed to improve the oral health of children in Scotland and reduce inequalities both in dental health and access to dental services. For more information click here 

Movement for Health 

We Move Together tools and resources to support people living with long term health conditions to be more physically active. For more information click here  

Glasgow City Youth Health Service 

Support Service for young people/family health and wellbeing (Weigh To Go).  For more information click here

Weigh to Go 

A service for young people who are overweight and want to lose or manage their weight. Regular support from a Weigh to Go Nurse and Slimming World membership. Suitable for 12 - 18 year olds living within the Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area with a BMI greater than 25. Find out more or make a referral by clicking here

HENRY  

HENRY is a holistic approach to tackling child healthy weight and obesity by focusing on not only healthy eating, but also the significance of wider influences on children’s lifestyles. HENRY works with parents, supporting them to change family lifestyle habits and behaviours. For more information click here . 

Professional (public sector and third sector) and self-referrals can be made to the HENRY programme. Click here to make a referral via the NHSGGC website. 

Planning and cooking healthy family meals can be difficult for some families. Simple recipes are available to help families prepare quick, balanced meals via the HENRY Website. Click here to view. 

The HENRY website also offer resources on: 

• Eating well for less. Click here to view. 

• Fussy eaters. Click here to view. 

• Top Tips for Parents and Carers. Click here to view. 

• Oral Health. Click here to view. 

NHS Healthier Families

Support for families to eat better and move more. For more information click here

Parent Club

Useful tips and ideas for parents to help with meal times, meal planning and eating well. 

for more information here

Parkrun 

Parkrun Scotland offer several free weekly 5 km park runs that take place in local parks that are open to everyone. For more information click here

Play Scotland 

Play Scotland is the lead organisation for the development and promotion of play in Scotland and share a range of helpful information and resources via their website. View the website by clicking here . 

Below is a list of key strategy and policy links regarding physical activity and nutrition for children and young people. These documents should be used to inform planning and delivery within classrooms and school communities. Please note that clicking on these documents will take you to external websites. 

• Physical activity offerings should be free, easily accessible and include a range of options.  

• Schools should have comprehensive food and drink policies.  

General

A healthier future: Scotland's diet and healthy weight delivery plan (2018)

Health and wellbeing in adolescence and early adulthood 

Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027

Physical Activity

A More Active Scotland: Scotland’s Physical Activity Delivery Plan  

Cycling - Glasgow City Council

Play Strategy for Scotland: Our Action Plan  

Public Health Scotland - A systems-based approach to physical activity in Scotland

Transport Scotland Active Travel Framework  

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - UNICEF UK   (refer to article 31)

Nutrition

Better eating better learning (2014) 

Beyond the School Gate (2014) 

Glasgow City Food Plan (2021-2031) 

Good Food Nation Policy (2014)   

Healthy eating in schools: guidance 2020  

Setting the table guidelines pre-5 

Statutory guidance supporting the implementation of the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2020