Healthy Schools

'The Healthy Schools Programme (NHSP) is a joint initiative between DCSF and Department of Health (DH) - which promotes a whole school / whole child approach to health.

It is recognised as a key delivery mechanism in the Children’s Plan (DCSF 2007) and in Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives White Paper for:

Improvement in health and reduced health inequalities;

Raised pupil achievement;

More social inclusion; and,

Closer working between health promotion providers and education establishments

We want all children and young people to be healthy and achieve at school and in life. We believe that by providing opportunities at school for enhancing emotional and physical aspects of health. In the longer term, this will lead to improved health, reduced health inequalities, increased social inclusion and raise achievement for all'.

Schools in the South West of England have been tremendously successful in implementing the National Healthy Schools Programme. Many schools, have firmly embedded the whole school approach in their school ethos. Werrington School was awarded Healthy Schools Plus Status in 2011.

Health South West Healthy Schools' Plus (SWHSP) builds on this framework by enabling schools to develop new ways of encouraging children and young people to actively embrace healthier behaviour.

Participation in the South West Healthy Schools Plus programme will provide schools with resources to help combat some of the most challenging health issues. It will help schools find ways that they can contribute towards tackling national issues. Importantly, it recognises that schools can play a leading role in achieving healthier outcomes for children and young people but that they alone cannot be responsible for tackling these pressing issues.

There is a clear link between South West Healthy Schools Plus and school improvement. The premise behind the National Healthy Schools programme is that healthy children and improved achievement go hand in hand. SWHS Plus continues on this path and also enables schools to develop as 21st Century Schools by meeting the Every Child Matters outcomes as outlined in the Children's Plan.

Our Healthy Schools work has educated our pupils about many health related topics over the years. They have been involved in Heartstart training, first aid training, learnt about dental hygiene and effective hand washing, participated in Skip 2 Be Fit activities, healthy eating, road safety and many more.

For further information about Healthy Schools visit: Cornwall Healthy Schools