Nell McAndrew's healthy outlook

Model, fitness expert and mother, Nell McAndrew, spoke exclusively to iVillage.co.uk about the benefits of sports such as swimming and why she thinks more needs to be done to encourage exercise as a lifestyle choice

Leisure activities such as swimming may be too expensive for families on low incomes (as a regular activity). Do you think the Government and local councils should do more to subsidise those who don't earn enough to pay for their kids to swim regularly?

Nell McAndrew: Yes. I think the more the Government invests in various sports facilities and supporting families, the less money they will save on health care in the future. Keeping fit and healthy is very important to your general wellbeing and can help prevent against the onset of lots of different ailments and illnesses.

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience swimming whatever their background.

In general, does The Government do enough to actively encourage kids to play sport and exercise?

Nell McAndrew: No. More facilities are needed all over the UK, especially in deprived areas. Existing facilities need to be looked after as many places, especially council swimming pools are in desperate need of refurbishing.

Encouraging kids to play sports gives them positive experiences, not just for now, but for the long term when they're adults. Sport makes you feel happier, more alert, increases confidence and positivity.

It improves fitness, overall health and well being as well as encourages team work in children, giving a sense of achievement and fun, at the same time.

I think fun exercise and sports should be more of a priority in the national curriculum. Happier children will be more willing to learn, feel better about themselves and look forward to going to school. Not all children are academic and this would help balance the feeling of achievement instead of all focus being on SATS and other tests.