Awards highlight schools’ commitment to pupil development

Over 140 children from 65 primary, secondary and special schools across the city are to take part in the first Leeds Healthy Schools and Wellbeing Team celebration event.

Taking place at Elland Road on Wednesday 24 February, the schools involved will be presented with 75 awards recognising their commitment to being healthy, sustainable and better places for children and young people.

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Media are invited to Elland Road between 10am and 12.15pm on Wednesday 24 February. Awards will be presented to the schools by Radio Aire presenter, Rich Williams, and BBC weatherman, Paul Hudson. Please call 0113 3951577 or email jon.crampton@leeds.gov.uk to confirm attendance.
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The Leeds Healthy Schools and Wellbeing programme has been a huge success in supporting schools to achieve their National Healthy Schools Status and it was recently announced that 97 per cent of schools have achieved the award.

Awards being presented at Elland Road include National Healthy Schools, Sustainable Schools, Investors in Pupils and Smoke Free Schools.

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, and Dr Ian Cameron, director of public health for NHS Leeds, will give speeches and the awards will be presented by Rich Williams, from Radio Aire and weatherman Paul Hudson from BBC Look North.

Councillor Richard Harker, executive board member for education at Leeds City Council, said:“Being healthy, staying safe, and looking after each other and the environment are all important issues. The schools should be proud of their achievements and are a shining example of the great work being carried out in Leeds to provide our children and young people with a complete education.”

Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said:“I would like to congratulate each and every school which has achieved an award. These awards highlight that our schools teach our children and young people about a wide range of issues which all help prepare them for their rest of their lives. Each school, and each young person who attends them, should be very proud of these achievements.”

The total number of awards which will be presented includes: Advanced Healthy Schools Status, four schools; National Healthy Schools Status, 25 schools; Investors in Pupils award, 17 schools; Sustainable Schools award, 26 schools; Smoke Free Schools award, three schools.

The National Healthy Schools Status is awarded to schools which meet certain criteria in four areas: PSHE, healthy eating, physical activity and emotional health and wellbeing. The criteria includes having a lunch service that meets national standards, providing free drinking water, having a no-smoking policy and a clear anti-bullying policy.

The Sustainable Schools award recognises a school’s and its pupils’ understanding of the issues of human impact on the planet. The Smoke Free Schools award is given to schools which have ensured the entire school site is smoke-free.

The Investors in Pupils is a West Yorkshire based scheme that sets out to ensure pupil participation is at the heart of school life. To achieve the IIP award, schools must involve their students in setting targets, in managing the classroom and in inducting new students and staff.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:
Jon Crampton, Leeds City Council press office, 0113 3951577
Email: jon.crampton@leeds.gov.uk