Due to the continual success of the Fitness Industry Association’s (FIA) Adopt a School (AAS) scheme, nearly 60 programmes are expected to help to increase the activity levels of 1,800 school children this spring.

The FIA is inviting all member operators to build on this success by linking with their local primary school and applying to take part in the programme in April or September 2006.

The revamped, government-funded AAS physical activity pilot scheme took place across a limited number of sites in September last year in preparation for this month’s national rollout.

The aim of the initiative is to increase children’s activity levels and help them to develop healthy lifestyle habits.

AAS focuses on regular activity, educating year six Key Stage 2 pupils (10- and 11-year-olds in their final year of primary school) about healthy choices and other lifestyle factors such as nutrition.

All programmes will be run by a qualified instructor for a minimum of six weeks, either at the club or school. Once the child has finished the programme, they will be offered exit routes by the instructors so they can continue their exercise.

The move from primary to secondary school has been identified as a key drop-off point in activity levels for children, so this scheme is crucial for this age group.

Every school taking part is provided with a support pack containing a CD-Rom on how to run the programme and lesson plans. A DVD with studio or sports hall-based activity information and a CD of music is also included.

Glossop Leisure Centre in Derbyshire says is has enjoyed much success since signing up to AAS. The leisure centre adopted Padfield Primary School, a small local school with limited sporting facilities. Twenty-five children from years five and six visit the site each week to spend an hour participating in a wide range of activities that would not normally be available in schools. Last term, the pupils took part in gymnastics and squash, both with qualified coaches.

Next term the children will take part in circuit-style classes, badminton, tag rugby, kwik cricket, indoor athletics and dance classes. These activities have been chosen because of their regular availability at local leisure centres.

Fiona Bothwell, programmes co-ordinator at the FIA said: “Much of the success of AAS is due to improvements made after the evaluation of the first development phase.

“The next scheme, which starts in April, will involve many more children and clubs.”

Planning and recruitment is now under way for April’s scheme. Details: +44 (0)20 7202 4708 or [email protected]