On Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th April, national skipping coach Ken Barry visited St. John's CofE Primary School in Caterham Valley to promote fitness and fun to the young pupils.

St. John's is known for its strong sporting tradition and has won numerous inter-school sports competitions in events that include football, netball, and cross-country.

As part of the Healthy Living Week celebrations, Ken from 'Skipping Workshops' spent a day with the St. John's Infants and then a day with the Juniors. At the end of both days the pupils presented a showcase of their skipping talents. They also had the opportunity to attend the after school Family Skipping Workshops.

Headteacher, Mrs Wombwell said: "The children love it. It is a brilliant opportunity to get the students engaged in sports from an early age."

Ken Barry, national skipping coach for 'Skipping Workshops', said: "We are promoting skipping, and we are also campaigning to make skipping an Olympic sport."

The Infants tried skipping on the spot, experimenting on one leg or even skipping backwards, with the Juniors progressing to Double Dutch. Not only did every child experience the Skipping Workshops, even the teachers joined in too.

Year Two pupil, Melissa said: "I already knew how to skip, but this time I learnt to make sure the rope didn't hit my legs. Now I can even do it backwards!"

For more information and news about the activities taking place at St. John's visit www.st-johns-school.org.uk

For more information about Ken Barry and his skipping workshops, email Ken at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ring him on 01737 843111.