MEET LITTLE FEET IN SOUTH AYRSHIRE

Little Feet is our range of walking activities for children aged 2-5 years old, designed specifically for use in early years settings.

Little Feet resources are perfect for introducing the benefits of walking to young children and their families, encouraging them to adopt healthy walking habits through topics linked to the Early Learning Goals.

Across the west of Scotland, Living Streets is partnering with the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport and early years settings to promote the benefits of walking to young children and their families. 

Walking or wheeling to their early years setting is an excellent way to help preschool children meet their daily recommended activity levels. The Little Feet challenge also helps to develop communication and language skills, supports mental wellbeing and physical development, whilst nurturing children’s curiosity and understanding of the world.

We visited Cherry Tree Early Years and spent time with parents, carers and early years practitioners at lively, laughter‑filled sessions to explore why walking matters. We listened to families as they described how walking offers a simple, meaningful way to connect with their children, as well as the challenges they encounter.

Children have loved learning about the benefits of walking

Following discussions and the completion of parent and carer surveys, Living Streets found that some families might benefit from additional encouragement to walk or wheel to nursery. Several barriers to walking were also identified, including inconsiderate parking, road safety issues and litter and dog fouling.

We launched the Little Feet challenge to families and children at Cherry Tree Early Years with a fun, interactive session. Children were also introduced to Elmer’s Walk story and their new sticker chart and map. Finally, the children were invited to take part in a short, physical activity promoted by the question, ‘What can our little feet do?' 

The Little Feet initiative, with the help of their new Elmer classroom mascot, also encouraged children to tell Elmer what they saw on the way to school or nursery that day. 

Parents and carers told us they experienced a wide range of benefits from walking and wheeling during the challenge, from sparking opportunities for creativity and exploration to, most importantly, strengthening their bond with their children.

Many parents and carers shared how much they enjoyed rediscovering the joys of childhood play and watching their children invent their own ideas and games. Grandparents echoed this sentiment, saying the experience felt like a ‘second chance’ to enjoy these special moments together.

Finally, the collaboration between parents, carers and early years practitioners was also highlighted, with families sharing how much they valued having a coffee and a chat with staff, as well as having the opportunity to be more involved in their child’s early years education.

As part of the Little Feet challenge, children across the UK are discovering the joys of walking and wheeling with Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.

Our special Little Feet and Elmer activity packs include a set of colourful resources that can be used in nurseries and pre-schools to introduce the benefits of walking to young children. You can find out more about Little Feet, here.

Parents and carers shared how walking is a simple, meaningful way to connect with their children

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS AND CARERS ON LITTLE FEET

"It has actually been quicker to walk to pre-school than to take the car!"

“We like playing games together on the way home, my wee boy says, “Mum, we are in Star Wars, we need to walk like Storm Troopers!” -I don’t mind making a fool of myself as it is making memories together that he will remember.”

"The children are loving the walking groups with parents."

“I like to listen the crunching of leaves and grass under foot when I’m walking- it helps me feel grounded.”

"The children love to look at their Little Feet maps every day to see how far along the path we are."

"The Little Feet stickers are encouraging and motivating. Our children love a sticker!"