Warwickshire schools are in good health
Schools from across Warwickshire are being commended for their commitment to good health.
Children and staff from more than 100 schools in Warwickshire will join together at the Ricoh Arena for Warwickshire County Council’s Healthy Schools County Celebration on Friday 26 September. Pupils and staff will be treated to performances, a healthy buffet lunch, goody bags and various activities - including a bike which powers a smoothie maker.
The serious message behind the fun is to celebrate the successes of schools that have achieved national Healthy School Status. This means that the schools have met around 140 evidence requirements against nationally set criteria.
The criteria are designed to ensure that the school is taking a ‘whole school’ approach to the four core themes of Healthy Schools: personal, social and health education; healthy eating; physical activity; and emotional well-being.
Nineteen Warwickshire teachers and nurses who have recently achieved the Government accreditation in Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) will also be honoured at the event. The certificate requires participants to submit a substantial portfolio of evidence demonstrating the quality and depth of their teaching in PSHE, including particular knowledge, understanding and skills in either sex and relationships education or drug education.
The event will be supported by various partners of Warwickshire Healthy Schools, district and local councillors, members of the Children and Young People’s Executive Board, and senior officers from Warwickshire County Council’s Children, Young People and Families directorate.
Mark Gore, Warwickshire County Council’s head of education partnerships and school development, said: “The national Healthy Schools Programme aims to raise achievement and reduce inequality by promoting the health and well-being of pupils. It is not just about the children, the entire school community is involved in cultivating a healthy environment.
“I congratulate all the schools who have achieved Healthy School Status and are delivering better health outcomes for our children and young people.
“The work that we are celebrating at this event has become a vital part of school life and will make a positive long-term impact on the health of our children.”
Work currently being undertaken by the Healthy Schools team includes regular workshops for schools, the development of action plans and producing a policy guide for parents.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, added: “The Healthy Schools programme is not just about teaching children to eat salad instead of chips, we look at every aspect of health and social and personal development.
“It is certainly no mean feat for a school to achieve this status, having to prove they have met more than 140 different criteria before being accredited.”