Grant funding leads to innovative learn to cycle programme being launched in Sheffield and Chesterfield
Balanceability - the UK's only accredited learn to cycle programme for children aged 2 ½ to 6 years old is being launched in South Yorkshire.
The programme, which has been supported by Olympic Champion cyclist Chris Boardman MBE, is being provided to schools in the region by Sheffield-based Play & Sport Solutions. The voluntary organisation received £1,000 in grant funding from the to roll out the programme.
The innovative Balanceability programme combines unique ergonomic balance bikes with a programme of activity that builds confidence, spatial awareness and dynamic balance skills enabling young children to learn to cycle without ever needing stabilisers.
The programme is tailored for each school with some opting to focus on the cycling skills element and others on Road Safety for young cyclists.
Olympic champion Chris Boardman MBE, said: "Balanceability is the fundamental starting point for children's cycling and an excellent opportunity to promote active lifestyles at the earliest possible age. I can see it also provides a natural lead into Bikeability for schools and I would encourage all schools to give children the opportunity to use balance bikes."
The Balanceability programme has already been taught at Halfway Primary School in Sheffield, and will also be rolled out at offered at Clowne Infant & Nursery School in Clowne; Morton Primary in Alfreton; Arkwright Primary School in Chesterfield and Gilbert Heathcote Nursery in Chesterfield during the spring.
Dale Kerruish, director of Play Sports and Solutions, said: “We first came across Balanceability in 2011 and were immediately inspired by how effective it is in supporting children who are learning to ride a bike. No one else is delivering a programme like this in our region and after consulting with local schools it became clear that this programme is something that will be of great benefit to the children, and given our expertise in this area, we were delighted to launch this programme.”
The programme is aligned with the Government's 'Start Active, Stay Active' policy which calls for increased physical activity for young children. Balanceability has been awarded a Kitemark by the Professional Development Board for Physical Education and is in line with the curriculum guidance for Foundation Stage pupils.
For more information about the programme, please contact Dale on 07846708967 or visit www.playandsportsolutions.co.uk
Steff Lewis-Sabey
PR & Social Media Manager
Petersen
T: 01242 573311
lewis-sabey@petersencreative.com
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