Is this what Labour means by 'stretching the kids'?

Scanning the news online recently I happened across this piece which left me thinking. Apparently the Government are supplying over 1,000 lifestyle coaches to primary schools to help children “play” in a bid to crack down on obesity.

The lifestyle coaches will be aiming to take into hand those youngsters deemed to be “too inactive”, interpret the definition as you will. Up to 20,000 of these soon-to-be alienated youngsters will be given at least an additional hour of extra-curricular activity that could include yoga, break dancing, cheerleading or free running (health & safety anyone?).

In theory an additional hour of exercise a week is a fantastic idea. Let’s get British kids moving­­, ideally away from the Xbox!  In reality I wonder how many four-year-olds need to know the basics of Brazilian martial arts (also to be included) and should we be encouraging them to try them out on their pals?  Which, if we are being realistic, may happen.

Unsurprisingly the new scheme has been received with mixed reviews.  Political opposition has labeled the scheme “another expensive, top-down gimmick from a Government which has run out of ideas”.  And a leading heart charity accused Labour of “shilly-shallying around” with headline-grabbing schemes.

Are these Labour’s last ditch attempts to launch initiatives and grab headlines? To me it seems like Labour tightening the lid on the nanny state they have created and gaining further control on the education and lifestyle Britain’s children adopt.  Messages like this from the Government are, I imagine, meant to instill trust and confidence and as such create loyalty from potential voters.  To me it seems like a waste of taxpayers’ money that could be going towards paying off Britain’s debt.

Written by Alex Thompson