Conducting a survey enables the council to identify growth areas, assist parents and carers of children under five in accessing essential information, and expand the city's physical activity options.
The national guidance has recently been updated which highlights that physical activity under the age of five influences a wide range of short and long-term health and developmental outcomes. Average physical activity levels reach a lifetime peak at around five years of age. Higher levels of physical activity in the early years may therefore help support higher levels throughout childhood and adolescence.
This survey supports the work of Southampton Healthy Early Years Awards Programme, the Southampton Physical Activity Alliance and the We Can be Active Strategy. The feedback from the survey will therefore, inform how partners across the city can work towards creating positive early opportunities for children to be active as part of the We Can Be Active Strategy, which sets out to inspire and support active lifestyles for all residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.ย
The Early Years physical activity survey in 2025 highlighted some issues around safety of green spaces in the city. The Safe City Partnership considers issues around safety in the city and works with community safety partners to reduce the risk. Additionally, Southampton City Council is using Pride in Place Impact Funding to invest in green space infrastructure, buying new play equipment and upgrading surfaces and paths in over 10 locations in the city. Plus a new project called โActive Outdoorsโ will provide funding to get more people into green spaces, and park rangers work with volunteers on an on-going basis to clear and maintain green spaces.ย
Dr Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health at Southampton City Council, said:
Being physically active every day is important for the healthy growth and development of children under five. Itโs really important that all children, no matter their ability, can get active in ways that work for them, whether itโs playground activity, riding a bike, or skipping.
โEnjoying physical activity is at the heart of good health and wellbeing, which is why weโre committed to driving these opportunities for children in our city. Your feedback will help shape our childrenโs futures - please take part in the survey and share your views.โ
The Southampton Early Years & Childcare Team continue to promote the health and wellbeing for all under 5โs and their families through their communications with Early Years & Childcare providers (nurseries, childminders, and preschools). They continue to share and promote the UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines and the daily 180 minutes of recommended physical activity for under-fives and tummy time.ย
The survey is open from today, Monday 7 September until Sunday 18 October. Find out more and have your say on our website.
