The National Healthy Schools Plus Programme aims to raise achievement, on the premise that pupils' learning is enhanced when they are feeling physically and emotionally healthy. The National Healthy Schools Plus Programme supports this by aiming for all schools across the country to meet the minimum requirements of 41 criteria relating to children and young people's health and wellbeing. These are categorised under the four themes of:
1. PSHEe (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Wellbeing Education) including drug education and sex and relationships education.
2. Healthy Eating
3. Physical Activity
4. Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Around 40 schools in Somerset have gained National Healthy Schools status - leaving only around a dozen schools yet to self validate. Having a National Healthy Schools status means a school has declared to pupils, parents and the wider community that they take a whole school approach to health and satisfy the 41 basic criteria.
Alongside the new status schools in the first cohort of Healthy Schools Plus are also reporting on the outcomes of their labours. Many of these schools have developed models of good practice around a range of health issues, such as reducing teenage pregnancy, increasing physical activitiy uptake and improving emotional health and wellbeing.
Their work has focused on achieving real outcomes and health benefits for children and young people, especially those who have the greatest need and who experience the most challenging circumstances.
For further information please contact Clare Laker, Health Schools Co-Ordinator on 01225 332118.
