Fresh Air Fitness, a provider of outdoor gym equipment for schools, parks and playgrounds across the UK, has just launched a new white paper that looks at the impact of physical exercise for children or pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is the product of extensive research that included sending surveys out all over England to 15 SEND professionals, asking them detailed questions.
Respondents included SENCOs, class teachers, teaching assistants, inclusion leads, and senior leaders working across mainstream primary schools, special schools, and alternative provision. The results of this survey can be found in the white paper, and it was revealed that 100% of respondents said that outdoor activity was “very beneficial” for children with SEND.
Other standout findings showed that 87% of respondents believed that outdoor physical activity led to better body awareness and improved cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility for SEND students. 86% stated that it also improved focus and concentration, while 80% reported a reduction in stress and anxiety amongst the children they look after.
Alongside the results of the survey, Fresh Air Fitness published the methodology and a breakdown of key points raised throughout the research. They have also included a discussion section that explains what the survey results mean for schools and other education providers, coupled with practical recommendations for the right course of action.
The entire white paper is available to view online and comprises eight pages in total. Interested parties can read it here for free: https://www.freshairfitness.co.uk/white-paper-understanding-the-role-of-exercise-for-children-with-send.
About Fresh Air Fitness
Fresh Air Fitness is a Surrey-based company that’s been manufacturing and distributing outdoor gym equipment across the UK since 2007. It has become the country’s leading provider of outdoor gym equipment and handles everything from product design through to installation. The company has won multiple awards over its nearly 20 years in business and has conducted more than 5,500 installations to date, working with schools, local councils, the NHS, and more.