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In March 2007 Crowthorne C of E were validated for, and achieved the National Healthy School Status. This is a national programme that has been rolled out country-wide by the DfES and Department of Health, following on from the Berkshire Healthy Schools programme where we achieved the Bronze award in 2005 and Silver award in 2006. The programme reflects the Government's commitment to achieve a healthy population of young people focusing on four core themes. To achieve the award schools have to meet the criteria for all four areas. Schools are asked to demonstrate evidence in the core themes using a whole-school approach involving the whole school community:
* personal, social and health education including sex and relationship education & drug education (including alcohol, tobacco and volatile substance abuse); usually achieved through PSHE lessons which are part of the National Curriculum and only taught at the appropriate level of the children.
* healthy eating; achieved through Science lessons in the National Curriculum; a healthy eating snack policy for break times and encouraging children eating packed lunches to have a healthy balance of the different food groups; through BFBC catering company that is Healthy Schools approved for children eating hot lunches and ensuring regular discussions between Cook and the Headteacher on menus being offered; through consultation with parents.
* physical activity; achieved through the National Curriculum Physical Education requirements; by offering a variety of before school, lunchtime and after-school sports clubs; through organised playground activities at break and lunchtimes using the new playground games; getting the day started after assembly with 'Kick-Start' on a rota basis for year groups; and with 'Huff & Puff' organised games by Years 5 & 6 for the younger year groups.
* emotional health and well-being; achieved through the 'whole-school approach' in the National Curriculum and school policies such as 'Bullying' and Behaviour; through behaviour expectations set as part of school and classroom life and having a positive attitude to learning, including taking a pride in appearance and wearing correct uniform; through School Council representing each class.
A 'Healthy School' promotes the health and well-being of its pupils and staff through a well-planned, taught curriculum in a physical and emotional environment that promotes learning and healthy lifestyle choices. This fits in with Ofsted's expectation that all schools should demonstrate how they are contributing to the five national outcomes for children stipulated by Every Child Matters and the Children Act 2004 - being healthy; staying safe; enjoying and achieving; making a positive contribution; and economic well-being.
Now that we have received the award the school will be visited annually to make sure the good practices in place are being maintained, and re-validated every three years. The Healthy Schools Task Group, made up of the Headteacher, staff, a school governor and parents, meet each term and report back to the Governing Body and parents by means of newsletters. If you would like more information or would like to get involved with the Task Group please contact the School Office.
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