SCHOOLS' secretary Ed Balls' speech outlining his plans for education came on the same day Britain's leading family holiday company launched a new campaign to encourage youngsters to exercise.

Haven Holidays stepped in after hearing that pre-school groups often faced problems raising funds for sports equipment even though the government 'Change4Life' initiative encourages children to do 60 minutes of exercise a day. Many nurseries and pre-school groups say they cannot afford the equipment without turning to parents to help with fund-raising.

The Haven Fun and Fitness scheme, launched today via the website www.havenfunfitness.com provides free sports equipment to nurseries and pre-school groups in England, Scotland and Wales.

Participating pre-school groups will receive a box of equipment worth up to £200.

Already thousands of children have benefited from the 2009 campaign and even more nurseries and playgroups are expected to take part in the 2010 campaign after it was endorsed by the Pre-School Learning Alliance and the Welsh and Scottish Pre-School Playgroup Associations. Spearheading the campaign will be British champion gymnasts Frankie Jones and Kezi Gore.

A Haven spokesperson said: "We have already had a huge number of hits on the new website havenfunfitness.com.

"Many playgroup and nursery leaders told us the balls, scoopers, throwdowns, floor parachute and other equipment we are providing is perfect for encouraging group and individual sports and developing co-ordination skills.

"They have also said that in normal circumstances they would have to carry out fund-raising themselves for the equipment so we are delighted to be able to step in and help children take a step in the right direction to healthy exercise."

For more information visit www.havenfunfitness.com