Blog: Embedding Movement into the School Day

Since 2024, primary schools across Kent and Medway have been embracing an innovative approach to physical activity through the Everyday Active Schools programme.

Developed by Active Kent & Medway, the programme is designed to embed movement into the school day—making physical activity a natural, inclusive and impactful part of every child’s experience.

At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful idea: that physical activity should be accessible to all, and that schools are uniquely placed to make this happen. With only 51% of children and young people in Kent and Medway meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation of 60 active minutes per day (source: Sport England’s Active Lives Children & Young People Survey 2023-24), the need for change is urgent.

Everyday Active Schools offers a solution that is both workload-light and impact-heavy.

Schools involved in the programme report improvements in attendance and increases in attainment levels. Teachers have noted better behaviour and attitudes around PE, and pupils are more motivated to be active. The programme also supports staff through community of practice sessions, where they share best practices and challenges, and contribute to shaping the future of the programme.

Everyday Active Schools aligns with Active Kent & Medway’s broader mission of improving lives through sport and physical activity. By focusing on primary schools, we’re laying the foundations for lifelong habits of movement and wellbeing.

As we look ahead, we’re committed to expanding the programme, refining our approach based on feedback, and continuing to support schools in creating active environments. The Everyday Active Schools programme is more than an initiative—it’s a movement. And it’s helping us build a future where every child in Kent and Medway has the opportunity to thrive through physical activity and sport.