Pupils and staff at Silverwood School in Rowde, Wiltshire, have just achieved top marks for efforts to create a healthy school environment.
The school for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities received Wiltshire’s Healthy Schools accreditation after making some changes which have had a positive impact.
Healthy Schools is a Wiltshire Council programme designed to effectively address the health and wellbeing of children and young people. Schools in Wiltshire are gaining awards for encouraging healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
Members of the quality assurance and accreditation team which included Council staff, youth councillors and young pioneers were particularly impressed by the recent work to promote healthy eating and emotional wellbeing.
Students clearly feel well supported by staff and there is an impressive range of activities and support available for students.
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.
As part of their award, Silverwood carried out a series of activities to create a healthy space for pupils. Pupils and staff participated in weekly cooking lessons and completed work with Phunky Foods to support pupils with restricted diets and their families. In addition to PE, pupils took part in dance and swimming lessons and their after-school sports club established a relationship with Bath Rugby Hi Five Club.
Pupils have access to a range of support with staff wellbeing champions based at each campus. Silverwood have also recently trained a Senior Mental Health Lead who works closely with SENCOs, the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), counsellor and School Family Support Workers.
Schools can apply for accreditation at three levels: bronze, silver or gold, starting with bronze level. Currently 77 schools hold the accreditation, with 55 more working to meet the standards.
Schools wanting to join the programme can book onto the next Healthy Schools event on 23 April 2024, on Right Choice Wiltshire Healthy Schools Event (Online live) | Right Choice. Schools can also contact email hidden; JavaScript is required for more information.