Integrating Physical Activity into Children and Young People Services
Shaping Healthier, More Active Futures for Families
North Essex partners have come together to reshape how children, young people, and families are supported to live healthier, more active lives.
Through the Place Partnership Deepening programme, physical activity is being embedded into the Healthy Weight Pathway, creating a whole‑system approach that addresses physical health, emotional wellbeing, and family behaviours.
A shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people has driven a major shift in how physical activity is integrated into health and wellbeing services across North Essex. With childhood obesity and inactivity rising, particularly in areas of high deprivation, partners have collaborated to embed sport and physical activity within the Healthy Weight Pathway.
This work, governed through the North Essex Children’s Partnership Board, will begin delivery in April 2026 and aims to create a replicable, sustainable model that strengthens physical, emotional, and social wellbeing for CYP and their families.
NCMP data shows widening childhood obesity inequalities in Colchester and Tendring, with rates highest in deprived areas. This programme is designed to directly support key KPIs in the Active Essex Implementation Plan:
- Reduction in excess weight among children and young people
- Increased participation in physical activity, both in and out of school
- Improved emotional wellbeing and resilience, supported by active lifestyles
- Sustainable adoption of the CAS framework across target schools, embedding long‑term cultural change
Active Essex has shaped the programme’s vision and long‑term sustainability by bringing partners together across health, education, and community sectors, embedding the Creating Active Schools framework, aligning investment toward long‑term outcomes, and ensuring the work strengthens the existing Healthy Weight Pathway. This joined‑up approach has boosted collaboration and positioned physical activity as a core part of child and family wellbeing.
This programme has been shaped by a strong partnership spanning health, education, local authorities, and community organisations, including HCRG Care Group, the Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, Tendring District Council, Colchester City Council, Colchester United Football Club, Essex County Council Public Health, education partners, and VCS organisations. Their combined expertise ensures the work is rooted in local need and supported by robust delivery networks.
Key Learnings
Developing a whole‑system model has required time, patience, and extensive collaboration, with key learnings:
Governance
Strong governance takes time to build, yet it’s key to long‑term sustainability
Weight Management
Weight management must consider mental health, family behaviours and social factors
Inclusivity
SEND inclusion needs to be embedded from the outset for a fair, accessible pathway
Active Essex’s leadership has strengthened cross‑sector relationships and increased recognition of physical activity as a key part of child and family wellbeing, creating momentum for wider system‑level change.
Delivery is planned to begin in April 2026, with a phased rollout across schools, family hubs, and community settings. As the programme develops, it will be refined and scaled to create a model that can be replicated elsewhere, supported by ongoing evaluation and closer integration with mental health services to ensure it continues to meet the needs of children, young people, and families.
