What is a Healthy School?

• A health promoting school is one which actively promotes and protects the physical, mental and social health and well being of its community through positive action by such means as policy, strategic planning and staff development with regard to its curriculum, ethos, physical environment and community relations.
• Conwy’s Healthy Schools Scheme was launched in 2000, and is a member of the Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes. The scheme was accredited by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2002. The Scheme is a partnership between Health and Education, with schools providing the setting for evidence based health promoting initiatives which benefit the whole school community.
• The scheme supports the implementation of the Personal and Social Education (PSE) framework in schools, in addition to ensuring that national health priorities are considered in the daily life of the school for pupils, staff and the wider community.

information courtesy of Ysgolion Iach Conwy

National Quality Award (NQA)

The NQA was launched by Welsh Govt in 2010 to recognise excellent practice in Healthy Schools. Before being assessed for the NQA schools must have been involved in their local Healthy Schools Scheme for 8-9 years, have achieved 5 phase awards and be able to demonstrate that they have reached the standards set at a national level in the following 7 aspects of health and wellbeing:

• Food and fitness
• Mental and Emotional Health and Well Being
• Personal Development and Relationships
• Substance Use and Misuse
• Environment
• Safety
• Hygiene

We were successful in achieving Phase 4 in 2016 where we concentrated upon Food and Fitness and Safety. This year we will be looking at the Environment and the Mental and Emotional Health and Well Being aspect of the NQA.

Indicators for the Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes National Quality Award

Food and Fitness

Safety

Active Journeys Project  2016-2019

The school has also been chosen to take part in an Active Journeys Project. the project works with pupils, staff and parents with the aim of increasing walking, cycling and scooting to school. It is funded by the Welsh Government and managed by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity.

The project aims to support the school to encourage pupils to travel actively by:

• making sure that the school has good quality cycle and scooter storage
• organising bike and scooter maintenance sessions
• supporting schools to make sure as many pupils as possible get good quality walking and cycle training

We have already had two successful events – Scooter Safety Skills lessons and a visit from Dr Bike, mobile mechanic, Steve Green who carried out a simple free safety check on bikes and scooters.

More events are planned for the summer term.

During the Summer term we took part in The Big Shift Challenge where pupils were encouraged to travel more actively to school over a set period of time. 

Scooter training 2018

The Big Pedal Golden Lock Winners

2018

Click here for more information about Sustrans