On the 13 October ISEH Development Director Matt James was invited to the official launch of the Camden’s Active Spaces project at Argyle Primary School where they unveiled a new one of a kind playground structure – the launch also featured a special visit from celebrity guest BBC Tumble star Sita Bhuller.
The ISEH and UCL have joined forces with Proactive Camden to monitor and evaluate this exciting and innovative physical activity initiative for children and young people and their families. Funded by Camden Clinical Commissioning Group and Camden Council through Public Health, Camden Active Spaces have developed and installed innovative structures within schools which will hopefully inspire young people and their families to become more physically active and healthy.
Argyle Headteacher Jemima Wade led a special assembly in which Sita Bhuller talked to pupils about her time on the show coaching world champion boxer Carl Froch and entertained guests with an impressive backflip.
After Leader of the Council, Councillor Sarah Hayward, cut the ribbon, pupils were eager to demonstrate how they can use the exciting new features of their Active Space. These include a spectacular timber balancing and climbing trail, trampolines, an all-weather football pitch and an incredible ‘witch’s’ tower’, complete with slide.
Jemima Wade said: “We are absolutely delighted with the new playground. It is fun, challenging and looks great. The children have already developed their confidence and discovered new talents.”
The other schools to host an Active Space are Acland Burghley Secondary School, Carlton Primary School, Torriano Infant School, Torriano Junior School, St Dominic’s Primary School and Haverstock Secondary School. The schools were chosen on the basis of greatest need for pupils to increase their physical activity and where outdoor spaces were previously underutilised. Pupils and local communities were involved in the design process.
The project is a culmination of strategic partnership. Camden Clinical Commissioning Group provided £785,000 of funding with Camden and Islington Public Health providing an additional £310,000 of funding.
Over the next year, University College London is leading an exciting and original study in partnership with the participating schools, Camden and the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health. Researchers aim to measure the impact of the custom built spaces on children’s activity levels and fitness and the study has already been covered by the British Medical Journal. We hope this will show the importance of the Active Spaces for improving the health of children in Camden.
Find out more about Camden Active Spaces