Active8 Minds

General information

We are a Hampshire based business with an innate passion to increase children’s exposure to physical, nutrition and creative activities.

After spending 10 years in the armed forces and testing the waters in sales and online marketing, Dan Janowski went on to complete a Sports Diploma at Chichester College (with Distinction) and later a BSc (HONS) Sports Science and Sports Coaching (achieving a 1st Class Degree). One of Dan’s key areas is to ensure the coaches we employ are of exceptional standard, hold relevant qualifications and experience to portray the Active8 Minds key ethos.

Jodie Sheppard spent over 15 years at one of the worlds largest technology, business and consulting solutions corporations, IBM. Jodie is PRINCE 2 certified and has extensive experience with business management, policies and procedures. In addition to this, Jodie’s key area of expertise is maintaining clear and dependable communications between school, parents and Active8 Minds as well as facilitating the linear growth of Active8 Minds’ services.

The rationale behind what we do:

In 2011/12, around one in ten pupils in Reception class (aged 4-5 years) were classified as obese (9.5%) which compares to around a fifth of pupils in Year 6 (aged 10-11 years) (19.2%) (The Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2013).

In the 2008 HSE study, over 1700 children aged 4-11 were assessed for there physical activity levels for at least 10 hours per day on at least 4 days. The study found that sedentary behavior accounted for the largest amount of time with girls spending a greater amount of time in “sedentary pursuits” than boys. More worrying is the direct correlation between an increase in age (boys and girls) and an increase in sedentary behavior.

We aim to support change at individual, group and community levels by providing fun, unique, rewarding and engaging activities.Our services aim to improve self-confidence, self-belief, concentration, social interaction and general well-being among groups and individuals.

As working parents ourselves, we understand the necessity and importance of a child care provision at schools. We provide a cost effective and engaging solution to a traditional child care provision.