Feb 29, 2016

SAQ International, in conjunction with De Montfort University and Public Health Leicester, recently conducted a 2 year pilot project introducing movement skills into 7 intervention Schools with another 7 controlled Schools involving nearly 2,000 children. 

The results were outstanding, with an increase in physical activity, improved behaviour, learning skills, confidence and overall better well being.

The below Graph indicates the period of intervention at a Primary School in Leicestershire.

This graph covers the Reception students.

The Schools have indicators on children’s performances, this one is called "actual moving and handling outcomes".

Prior to the SAQ Pilot Project Fundamental Movement intervention, 78% of children were below the expected age performance in actual moving and handling outcomes. During the period of the Pilot Project was reduced by 50% to only 28% being below expected age.

'At expected age' basically means where they should be working at their age. Before intervention this was 18% of students, this was increased by 30% to the children working at their expected age being 56% after the intervention in regard to actual moving and handling.

The exceeding expected age, this was increased from 4% (pre-intervention) to 16% with a 12% increase.

Moving and handling means the child’s ability to move, manipulate objects, holds pens, catch and pass etc.

Full results will be available shortly.