Youngsters so Healthy and Full of Beans; Top Class Awards Are Icing on Cake for Schools

MORE than 50 North East schools that have achieved Healthy School Status this year have been praised for their success at an award ceremony held at Alnwick Garden.

The Northumberland County Council event this week aimed to congratulate the schools for providing an environment where young people can be healthy and happy.

The county council’s Healthy Schools Programme presented certificates to the 52 Northumberland schools which achieved accredited Healthy School status during 2007.

Maxine Hepple is headteacher of the Hepscott Park Pupil Referral Unit, just one of the schools to be recognised for their achievement.

She said: "The Healthy Schools Programme has helped me develop my knowledge and skills in the teaching of PSHE (personal, social and health education).

"I have enjoyed working with the Healthy Schools team.

"They have been supportive, encouraging and we have a continuing relationship.

"The children in my school have benefited from the focus on health and wellbeing that is promoted by healthy schools.

"I have also benefited from my relationship with the Healthy Schools team who are professional, focussed and fun to work with."

Di Harris, headteacher at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham, said: "The Healthy Schools programme helped me to focus on specific aspects of the teaching and learning experience of the students.

"There are outcomes for the children and it helped me consider the learning environment in our school."

Jim Wright, executive member for children’s services, said: "In Northumberland, we have established a close working relationship with the Northumberland Care trust in delivering the Healthy Schools programme.

"Healthy Schools help children and young people to reach their potential by building on a solid foundation of health to do better in learning and in life.

"The Healthy Schools Programme isn’t just about physical health; it’s about good health and happiness inside and out.

"And it’s not just about pupils; a Healthy School involves the whole school – from parents to governors to school staff – in improving their health and their happiness and getting the most out of life."

At the ceremony, the pupils were joined by teachers and nurses who achieved professional development awards in personal, social and health education.

They also received certificates in recognition of a portfolio of work developed through their contribution to helping Northumberland youngsters be healthy and happy.

Dr Mike Lavender, director of public health at Northumberland Care Trust, gave a keynote speech talking about the successes of the programme.

"To find out more about the Healthy Schools programme in Northumberland, contact Katherine Vero, of Northumberland County Council, at KAVero@northumberland.gov.uk

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