ALMOST 80 per cent of Warrington’s schools have achieved the prestigious National Healthy Schools status.
An official celebration was held at the Town Hall to recognise the achievement, which is well ahead of government targets.
Healthy Schools plaques were presented by the Mayor of Warrington, Coun Graham Welborn, and the Mayoress, Coun Elaine Welborn.
The Healthy Schools Programme is a joint initiative from the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
To achieve National Healthy Schools status, schools must me
et 41 health and education requirements, promoting positive behaviour in a wide range of physical, emotional and social areas. The programme also links in with the values of the Every Child Matters initiative.
Schools across the borough have taken action to hit the mark by listening to their pupils and adding active extra-curriculum activities, developing playgrounds to promote active play, promoting and educating about healthy eating, providing areas for quiet time and nurture.
The council’s Healthy Schools Team, with Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT), offers close professional support to schools as they work towards Healthy Schools Status and beyond.
At the event, schools were also recognised for achieving Warrington’s smoke free schools award and the Tasty Tuck award for providing only sugar-free snacks to pupils.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, (pictured) executive member for Children’s Services, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have so many schools achieving the Healthy Schools Status. It is thanks to the hard work of students, staff, governors and whole school communities that we have been able to reach such a milestone.
“Our children and young people are now reaping the benefits of being part of a healthy school.”
Dr Rita Robertson, director of Public Health, Warrington PCT, said: “Tackling smoking amongst young people is one of our major priorities and schools are in an ideal position to influence the health of the community.
“The Tasty Tuck scheme provides an opportunity for schools to show their commitment to ensuring children eat foods at break time which promote oral health and nutritional standards and helps them build lasting healthy attitudes to food.”
More information on the healthy schools programme is available at www.healthyschools.gov.uk
Awards for town's healthy schools
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
