The latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey from Sport England reveals encouraging progress nationally and locally. Across England, 49.1% of children and young people are achieving the Chief Medical Officers’ guideline of an average of 60 minutes of physical activity per day, the highest level since the survey began in 2017. However, this still means that over half of young people are not active enough, and inequalities remain. Boys (52%) are more likely to be active than girls (46%), and children from the most affluent families (58%) are significantly more active than those from the least affluent (45%). Ethnic disparities persist, with Black and Asian children less likely to meet activity guidelines.
In Kent and Medway, 48% of children and young people are active, that’s over 30,000 more active children since 2017-18. However, there are still 52% of children and young people who are not active enough and the same inequalities seen nationally are evident locally.
Physical activity is vital for physical health, mental wellbeing and social development. Sport England’s research shows that being active can increase wellbeing value by thousands of pounds per child annually. Yet, unless we address these gaps, many children will miss out on these benefits.
Active Kent & Medway is committed to tackling inactivity, reducing inequalities and creating inclusive opportunities for all children and young people. Here’s how:
Kent School Games: Inclusive events across the academic year, encouraging the least active students to participate. Working collaboratively with School Games Organisers to provide local support to schools.- Everyday Active Schools: Launched in 2024, this free programme helps primary schools embed physical activity throughout the school day, creating a whole-school approach.
- Mental Wellbeing: Piloting a programme to support young people’s wellbeing in secondary schools through physical activity.
- Annual Conferences: For primary and secondary schools, sharing resources and strategies to boost activity levels and support mental health.
- Small Grants Programme: Funding local projects to create safe, welcoming environments for young people across the county.
- Everyday Active Campaign: A countywide initiative promoting accessible, low-cost activities and providing resources for schools, families and communities.
- Developing Young Coaches: To work with their peers in schools and clubs and to become the future workforce.
- Family Hubs: Working with trusted deliverers to help bring opportunities to be active at the hub sites.
“While progress is being made, inequalities remain. We will continue to work with schools, communities and partners to break down barriers and create positive experiences to ensure every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has the chance to enjoy the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity.” Liz Davidson-Kennett, Active Partnership Director, Active Kent & Medway.
Published: December 2025
