Active Lives Children & Young People Survey

Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People survey measures the sport and physical activity levels of children and young people aged 5-16 years across England. Administered by schools, the survey also includes measures for wellbeing, attitudes towards sport and physical activity and volunteering. The findings are being used to shape future policy and investment in school sport.

Follow this link to access the Sport England Active Lives Information and resources

Active Lives Children and Young People 2023-24 Report

At a National Level:

Children and young people’s activity levels have been maintained and remained stable. 47.8% of children and young people are achieving the recommended 60 minutes of sport or physical activity a day, this means that 3.5 million are benefitting from being active. However, there are still 52.3% of children and young people who are not active enough and inequalities remain.

• Activity levels are lowest for those in school years 3 – 4
• Those from less affluent families are least likely to be active
• Children and young people from Black, Asian and Other Ethnicities are the least likely to be active
• Activity levels are lowest for those with two or more characteristics of inequality
• Children who were in nursery when Covid hit are less likely to have positive attitudes towards activity and a lower sense of opportunity
• 70% of young people in Year 7 can swim 25m, however this is less than what older children could do at this age (77%)
• Active play, team sports and active travel are the most common activities
• Active travel is the most common mode of transport for getting to school
• Team sports are less common at infant age but gain importance with age

At a local level:

In Kent and Medway, 51% of children and young people are active, 9,100 more than the previous year. However, there are still 49% of children and young people are not active enough. Active Kent & Medway are committed to tackling inactivity and reducing the inequalities in sport and physical activity across the country. See how we’re tackling inequalities across Kent and Medway.

Taking part in the Active Lives Survey

Active Kent & Medway is managing the survey in Kent and Medway on behalf of Sport England with the support of School Games Organisers. Ipsos MORI, a specialist research agency, are processing the survey and abide by the Market Research Code of Conduct, which includes ensuring the survey is confidential and anonymous.

Selected Schools

Schools are randomly selected to take part but any school, if not selected in a school year, can choose to take part by opting-in.  If your school is selected you will be contacted and, subject to completing a minimum number of surveys, you will receive a bespoke report on the findings plus equipment vouchers to the value of at least £100. Those schools who take part will also receive a Healthy Schools Rating, providing they complete the minimum number of surveys including a teacher survey.

Opt-In Schools

Schools who are not randomly selected can choose to take part and, subject to them completing a minimum number of surveys, will receive a free report on the findings.  Please contact Karen Johnston at karen.johnston2@kent.gov.uk if you’d like to opt-in to take the survey.

All the latest information on taking part, as well as supporting resources for schools can be found on the Sport England website. This includes details on the process, survey questions, example school reports, template communications for parents, information for the students and teachers who are taking part as well as the privacy policy.

Follow this link for Sport England’s Active Lives CYP pages

If you have any questions about the Active Lives Survey, please contact Karen Johnston at karen.johnston2@kent.gov.uk