Since January of this year the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust’s Healing Arts team has been working on a research project with children, teachers and parents of Nine Acres School, to produce a new publication which could eventually be used in schools nationwide.

The project, called Time Being 7 TB7 is one of three being undertaken by Healing Arts through a substantial HM Treasury grant.  The others focus on stroke survivors and mental health in the community – both of which still have more than 18 months to run. 

TB7 focuses on encouraging and giving opportunities to children of primary school age to ditch the TV, computer and video games in favour of physical activity.  Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle during early years increases the likelihood of disease during adulthood.

A programme has been developed to engage the creativity and imagination of children through activities they can develop and play themselves or with adult involvement.

To support the project, Healing Arts has produced a TB7 ideas for activities book which describes activities children can undertake at home such as den making, role play, music making and dance.  It features work produced by the children themselves with input also coming from teachers and families.

The TB7 Activities Book is being launched at Nine Acres School on 11 July 2008 between 1.15pm and 2.30pm. 

Guy Eades, Director of Healing Arts, said: 

“The TB7 will be finishing at around the end of the year and the results will be fed back to HM Treasury for evaluation.

“If we can demonstrate the project has been effective at reducing the time children spend in front of screens with associated health benefits for both now and later in life, there is a good chance it will be adopted within schools across the country.”

Steve Bartlett, Head of Nine Acres School, added: 

“We have been delighted to take part in what could be a ground-breaking project, potentially with benefits for children nationwide.

“The children have really enjoyed the weekly two hour sessions with the Healing Arts team, as have the teachers and families who have got involved.  I am confident that when the results are analysed it will prove to have been a success and we have been glad to be part of that.”

Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.