Schools are to receive a cash injection to keep their gyms, sports halls and playing fields open during holidays in order to help children fight the flab.
The government has announced £1.6 million to help headteachers keep facilities open to fight rising levels of childhood obesity and help children get 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
It comes as obesity among 10 year-olds has reached a record high, with the percentage who are severely obese rising by more than a third in 12 years.
The figures last year showed that 4.4 per cent of children leaving primary school are severely obese, up from 3.2 per cent in 2006/7.
And obesity rates among Year 6 pupils rose by two-thirds since 2006, jumping from 77,000 to 121,000, according to the NHS' National Child Measurement Programme.
Studies reveal that children often end up reversing the health benefits of term time exercise by doing almost no physical activity during the school holidays.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Getting children active from a young age helps them build confidence and learn skills they will use in later life.
"Many schools already open up their facilities so their communities can benefit and I want to encourage even more to do so.
“By backing schools with this extra money we can make more fun activities available all year round - everything from football to dodgeball – to help children find a sport that they will enjoy and which will keep them healthy.”
Sports Minister Nigel Adams said: “It is absolutely right that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to learn how to run, jump, throw, and catch to develop a healthy lifestyle.
“As we outlined last year, our School Sport and Activity Action Plan will mean that all children have access to at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity through quality PE, sport sessions, clubs and facilities inside and outside of school hours.
“By opening up school sports halls and playing fields to sports clubs and the wider community, we will increase opportunities, particularly for those with the least access and from the most deprived areas."
