Getting fit and healthy with Active Start - Clackmannanshire Council

About the programme

Active Start is a programme which has evolved over several years from an initial research and feasibility study into physical activity. Now the programme delivers staff training and healthy physical activity for all pre-school children in Clackmannanshire, with the support of other council agencies - Early Years, Psychological Services and Sports Development. In August 2005, an additional programme of activities for younger children was introduced. The Active Start programe is also offered to mother-and-toddler groups and out-of-school-care groups.

Freedom 2 Move programme

There is also a programme called Freedom 2 Move, a Big Lottery-funded project which will expand Active Start provision in Clackmannanshire. This two-year project will develop the training opportunities and further subsidise delivery to all Clackmannanshire early years establishments.

Active Start Development Officer

Clackmannanshire Childcare Partnership and the Council’s Early Years Service have funded a post to drive the aims and objectives of the Active Start programme. Jackie Stevenson was appointed as Active Start Development Officer in October 2004. She organises the staff and coaches training, sets up the timetables for coaches to deliver physical activity and generally manages the service. Active Start is delivered by between eight and ten coaches, but several of the early years establishments have had the training required to lead their own sessions.