Trafalgar School receives bronze Healthy Schools Award

THE TRAFALGAR School at Downton was among a number of schools that were recently awarded a Healthy Schools award from Wiltshire Council.

The Healthy Schools programme was designed to effectively address the health and well-being of children and young people, with schools winning awards for encouraging healthy lifestyles and well-being. Schools were visited by youth councillors who provided feedback on progress being made against the award criteria.

The Trafalgar School at Downton received its bronze award for wide-ranging work which has included: a new well-being website for support, a refurbished restaurant with more efficient service, as well as work to further promote pupil voice and challenge discrimination.

The youth councillors who visited the school said they were warmly welcomed. They were also impressed by the strong pastoral support and options the students were given for extracurricular activities.

But most of all they felt the teachers and students they met seemed safe and happy with their school overall.

Using the whole school approach and teaching Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, schools can build on previous developments to actively promote learning and healthy lifestyle choices. 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 bronze level. Currently, 70 of the county’s schools hold the accreditation, with 14 receiving an award this term.

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 considered what would really make a difference and these have had a positive impact on pupils and the whole school community.

“I’m delighted so many schools have received this award and I encourage more to come forward.”