Term kicks off with awards

Pupils at five schools across Cannock, Lichfield and Burntwood are celebrating after getting off to a healthy start this term.

Norton Canes High School in Cannock, Glenthorne Community Primary School, Cheslyn Hay, Queen's Croft Community School, Lichfield and Fulfen Primary School, and Chasetown Specialist Sport College in Burntwood, were among 18 Staffordshire schools recently recognised for their efforts by being awarded Healthy Schools Status.

And pupils were presented with their awards at a recent event in Stafford by public health practitioner, Denise Vittorino.

Pupils and staff from the five schools have worked closely with Staffordshire County Council and its local Primary Care Trusts to achieve the status – which promotes the link between physical and emotional well-being within the whole school community.

More than 100 Staffordshire schools have now achieved Healthy Schools Status.

The National Healthy Schools Programme recognises the achievement of schools in four areas across the whole school approach and focuses on four key themes – personal, social and health education (PSHE), healthy eating (and drinking), physical activity and emotional health and well-being (including bullying).

County councillor Robert Simpson, deputy leader and cabinet member for children and young people, said: "This is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved.

"It is good to see a further group of our Staffordshire schools successfully having achieved Healthy Schools Status.

"These schools have shown that they have invested in being healthy and are dedicated to ongoing improvement and development in this area, equipping pupils with the skills and attitudes to help them make informed decisions about their health."