School power-walks fight obesity

The power-walks are aimed at tackling obesity

A Dorset school has introduced break-time power-walks for children who are driven to school.

Bere Regis School introduced the measure after noticing about half its pupils were being driven to school.

Students are led on a daily two-lap walk of the school field after morning break-time to help increase fitness and tackle obesity.

The school says the idea has been welcomed by pupils and parents and was praised in a recent Ofsted inspection.

Deputy head teacher Debbie Tibbey said: "The area is rural and a very busy road runs past the school, which means parents are reluctant to walk to school.

We were really impressed by all the things you do, including your 'power-walks' to keep healthy Letter from Ofsted inspectors

"We walk twice round the school field every day, as long as the weather is good, and we've noticed a real difference in the children's fitness."

The 69-pupil first school, which has Healthy School Status and participates in the annual Walk to School Week, does not have hot school meals.

The school said the power-walks were a concerted effort to help tackle childhood obesity.

Mrs Tibbey added: "We've also noticed a good all-round improvement with behaviour and concentration."

Ofsted inspectors, who rated the school as "good" last month, said in their report: "Pupils have an excellent understanding of healthy living and participate enthusiastically in the range of opportunities provided by the school to support healthy lifestyles."

In a letter to the pupils, the inspectors said: "We were really impressed by all the things you do, including your 'power-walks' to keep healthy."