New data shows that Sandwell is performing strongly when it comes to children’s physical activity, with the borough now ranked among the top ten local authorities nationally.
In 2024/25, 59.6 per cent of children aged five to 16 in Sandwell, around 31,500 children, were achieving the recommended 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. This is the highest level for some years, and places Sandwell ninth out of 247 local authorities in England.
This is a strong result and shows the hard work of the council, schools, families, leisure services, community groups and local services who help children to move more and enjoy being active.
Looking at the longer-term picture, Sandwell has seen fluctuations in activity levels in recent years, particularly during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. The latest figures show that Sandwell is now above both the West Midlands and England averages.
Over the Christmas and New Year period, Sandwell Council and its partners are encouraging children, families and communities to keep building on this improvement. Simple things like walking or cycling short journeys, playing in parks, attending your local leisure centre, joining in local activities or taking part in free and low-cost sessions can make a big difference on longer term health.
Sandwell’s swimming pools offer free swimming for children and young people aged 18 and under during school holidays during designated sessions.
The Director of Public Health for Sandwell Dr Frances Howie said: “Being active every day helps children to feel happier, stronger and more confident, and will set healthy habits for life. We are proud of these figures and will keep working to make sure all Sandwell children have safe and fun ways to be active.”
Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, said: “This result shows what can happen when people work together. We want every child in Sandwell to enjoy moving more, whether that is walking, playing outside, joining a club or taking part in activities at school or in the community.”
Sandwell’s approach in early years and childhood focuses on embedding physical activity, healthy eating and wellbeing into everyday life. The council ensures this serves all in Sandwell, such as initiatives to encourage movement through play and family routines, PlayZones, Active Tots, family walking and cycling, and community-based activities in parks, libraries, leisure centres, supermarkets and Family Hubs.
Targeted support complements this offer for families with more need, including the Healthy Pregnancy Service, the HENRY programme and the Choices Team, with links to NHS services. Workforce training, strong partnerships, area-based activity programmes and targeted action ensure impact across Sandwell.
Sandwell is also part of the government’s new ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign, supported by Sport England, to help keep families active together all year round.
Anyone who wants to get more active can find local activities and support through our Healthy Sandwell services (www.healthysandwell.co.uk). Every move counts and being active every day helps children and adults live healthier, happier lives.
Visit our free swimming webpage (www.sandwell.gov.uk/freeswimming) for more information on free swimming in school holidays for children and young people aged 18 and under.
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