Schools mark success in Healthy awards

Schools across North Yorkshire are celebrating success this week in improving the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Some 51 schools, including Coppice Valley and Glasshouses primaries, are part of a virtual celebration online, because of Covid-19 restrictions, after gaining awards through the Healthy Schools programme. The celebration will be at www.healthyschoolsnorthyorks.org

Awarded schools have been invited to participate by posting quotes, photos and videos to share their achievements.

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In total, 22 schools achieved a Bronze award, 20 achieved Silver and nine achieved the highest level Gold award.

Award winners include primary and secondary schools, as well as nurseries, pupil referral units and special schools. The award scheme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff in four areas: personal, social, health education (PSHE), emotional health and wellbeing; active lifestyles; and food in schools.

Among the winners are Coppice Valley Primary School, Harrogate, and Glasshouses Primary, near Pateley Bridge, which each achieved a Gold award.

“They worked hard to involve pupils when making improvements around healthy eating and being more active during the school day,” said a spokesman for the award.

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“Pupils were asked for their ideas, which were acted upon, including shorter queues for lunch, being able to sit near friends and helping to design and build a community allotment.”

Upper Wharfedale Secondary, near Pateley Bridge, also gained a Silver award.

The school recently produced a short film about better mental health that featured on CBBC Newsround and can be seen at https://uws.n-yorks.sch.uk/another-proud-day-for-upper-wharfedale/

North Yorkshire County Coun Caroline Dickinson, Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Supported Housing, said: “We are very pleased that schools are taking part in the scheme despite the current extra pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic, and well done to all 51 schools for gaining their award.

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“The Healthy Schools programme is playing a very important part in our work to deliver Young and Yorkshire 2, the North Yorkshire Children and Young People’s Plan.

Young and Yorkshire 2 is driven by the vision that our county will be a place of opportunity where all children and young people are happy, healthy and achieving.”

The Healthy Schools scheme is funded through the Public Health grant and developed by the County Council.