Andy Munns
Schools in Salisbury and South Wiltshire have gained awards for hitting top marks for encouraging healthy lifestyles and well-being.
Healthy Schools is a Wiltshire Council programme designed to effectively address the health and well-being of children and young people.
Schools can build on previous developments to actively promote learning and healthy lifestyle choices by using the whole-school approach and teaching Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. The support provided aims to build the capacity of schools to deliver effective and sustainable interventions for all children.
Schools can apply for accreditation at three levels: bronze, silver or gold, starting with the bronze level. Currently, 70 schools hold the accreditation, with 14 receiving the award this term.
Schools in our area that have achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold include:
- Broad Chalke CofE Primary School (Gold 2021-2024)
- Greentrees Primary School (Gold 2023-2026)
- Manor Fields Primary School (Gold 2023-2026)
- Sarum St Pauls CofE VA Primary School (Silver 2022-2025)
- Bemerton St John CofE Aided Primary School (Silver 2023-2026)
- Winterbourne Earls CofE Primary School (Silver 2021-2024)
- Woodford Valley CE Primary Academy (Silver 2022-2025)
- Woodlands Primary School (Silver 2023-2026)
- Wyndham Park Infants’ School (Silver 2019-2022)
- Old Sarum Primary School (Bronze 2022-2025)
- The Trafalgar School at Downton (Bronze 2022-2025)
- Winterslow CofE Aided Primary School (Bronze 2023-2026)
- Chafyn Grove School (Bronze 2023-2026)
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Our Healthy Schools programme recognises the hard work of our school communities to create a healthy space for pupils to learn and grow. We have some amazing initiatives from schools who have taken a step back and considered what would really make a difference and these have had a positive impact on pupils and the whole school community. I’m delighted that so many schools have received this award, and I would encourage more to come forward in the future.”
Many schools achieving the award have also had a visit from Wiltshire Youth Councillors, who have also provided their feedback on the schools.
Youth Councillors visited The Trafalgar School at Downton to recognise their innovations and fresh approaches.
The Trafalgar School at Downton received its bronze award for wide-ranging work, including a new wellbeing website for support, a refurbished restaurant with more efficient service, and work to further promote pupil voice and challenge discrimination.
Youth Councillors visiting the school said they were warmly welcomed. They were also impressed by students’ strong pastoral support and options for extracurricular activities. But most of all, they felt the teachers and students they met seemed safe and happy with their school overall.
Schools wanting to know more about healthy schools can contact nick.bolton@wiltshire.gov.uk or visit www.wiltshirehealthyschools.org.
