Embedding children’s rights through supporting children and families to reduce obesity 

One in Five Reception age children in Redbridge are overweight or obese, and more than two in five Year 6 children in Redbridge are overweight or obese. The level of need around excess weight in Redbridge is higher than the national and regional average and there is a worsening trend over the past decade. This suggests there is a significant risk of an individual’s BMI increasing over the course of their time at Primary School and increasing risks of poor health into older years. 

How Redbridge Council has addressed this issue

  • Redbridge Council supports schools in achieving accreditation in the Healthy Schools London programme, the Sugar Smart programme, and to be Water Only schools. 

  • Restrictions have been put in place on fast food establishments within 400m radius of schools, parks and leisure centres through the London Borough of Redbridge Local Plan.  

  • Local declaration on health food and drink, where products high in fat/salt/sugar, or which undermine breast feeding will not be advertised on Redbridge Council owned facilities 

  • Targeted referrals are made from GPs to paediatric services and dietetics for overweight and underweight children. This includes children with learning disabilities or learning difficulties that may include special/limited diets.

  • Uphall Primary school was supported to acquire six bicycles and six scooters for children to use to get to and from school, to encourage physical activity.  


Bikes acquired for Uphall School


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