The National Healthy Schools Programme

The National Healthy Schools Programme is an exciting long term initiative that helps young people and their schools to be healthy. We are making a difference to the health and achievement of young people in thousands of schools across England. 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 Programme isn’t just about physical health, it’s about good health and happiness inside and out. And it’s not just about pupils either; a Healthy School involves the whole school community – from parents to governors to school staff – in improving their health and their happiness and getting the most out of life.

For a school to achieve Healthy School Status they take a whole school approach to address the four core themes which are:
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) including Sex and Relationships Education(SRE) and Drug Education
Healthy Eating
Physical Activity
Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Children in Healthy Schools tell us that they feel healthier, happier and safer. Their parents tell us that they feel more involved in their child’s health and learning and often feel better themselves. Schools tell us that the Healthy Schools programme has brought sustained improvement in behaviour, standards of work and school management.

Each borough in London has a Healthy Schools Programme that works with a range of partner organisations. The Regional Healthy Schools Coordinators are Elizabeth Dunsford and Alison Stafford; to find out more about Healthy Schools contact them or go to the National Healthy Schools Website.