Has your year 2 student mastered the art of a sprint run, a jump and a side gallop?

If not, they're not alone and it's not too late.

A study of 7000 NSW school students has found that only 10 per cent have all those skills and to make matters worse, less than 50 per cent get their daily dose of five serves of vegetables.

But Illawarra health experts are on the front foot, making sure the region's students are leading the pack when it comes to healthy development.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District is helping primary school teachers integrate physical activity and nutrition into school life, with the Sandshoes and Sandwiches Conference at Shellharbour today.

The district's health promotion officer, Pip Budgen, said without basic movement skills, children were less likely to participate in sports, had lower fitness levels and were more prone to being overweight or obese.

"We want to make the conference as hands-on as possible, with the aim of helping teachers improve physical activity levels and nutrition of children in their school communities," she said.

Dr Collin Webster, an international expert whose research has focused on supporting primary school teachers in promoting physical activity in the classroom, during recess and before and after school, will speak at the conference to teachers from more than 40 schools.

"Prioritising children's physical activity is important right now," he said.

"The world is changing in ways that counteract healthy behaviour.

"Early intervention, through primary education, can help the next generation lead us all towards a healthier future."

Dr Webster has held academic appointments at the University of South Carolina and the University of Wollongong.

He has received numerous awards for his research.