Healthy schools

What is the Healthy Schools Programme?

The Healthy Schools Programme is a key part of the Government's drive to improve standards of health and education and to tackle health inequalities. Its aim is to make children, teachers, parents and communities more aware of the opportunities that exist in schools for improving health.

Aims of the National Healthy Schools Scheme (NHSP)

To support children and young people in developing healthy behaviours
To help raise pupil achievement
To help to reduce health inequalities
To help promote social inclusion

New National Healthy School status

National Healthy School status requires schools to meet criteria in four core themes. These criteria relate not only to the taught curriculum but also to the emotional, physical and learning environment that the school provides. There are a number of specific actions that schools need to take if they are to be recognised as Healthy Schools. Many schools are already engaged in these activities and achieving recognition need not be onerous.

Schools that achieve the national status are entitled to brand school stationery and the school website with the Healthy Schools logo.

Healthy Eating
Pupils have the confidence, skills and understanding to make healthy food choices.
Physical Activity
Pupils are provided with a range of opportunities to be physically active. They understand how physical activity can help them to be more healthy, and how physical activity can improve and be a part of their everyday life.
Personal, social and health education (PSHE) and curriculum
Personal, social and health education.