Nursery World - First-ever physical activity guidelines published for disabled children

New Government guidelines to support disabled children and young people in the UK to be more physically active have been published.

The first ever physical activity guidelines for disabled children and young people are aimed at those aged two and above PHOTO Adobe Stock

The guidelines from the UK chief medical officers (CMOs), which apply to children aged two - to- 17, recommend daily levels of physical activity to support those with disabilities to improve their physical and mental health.

Underpinned by research from Durham University, University of Bristol, and Disabilities Rights UK, they advise 20 minutes of exercise per day for disabled children and strength and balance activity three times a week.

The guidelines specifically recommend children and young people with disabilities:

An infographic about the benefits of physical activity has also been published.

The UK CMOs, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, Professor Sir Michael McBride, Professor Sir Gregor Smith and Sir Frank Atherton, said, ‘We are delighted to present this report which is an important step forward in addressing the gap in physical activity guidelines for disabled children and disabled young people.

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