Old Catton: A healthy reason to celebrate

Cooking, gardening and walking were amongst the activities enjoyed by children at an infant school near Norwich last week as part of a celebration of their new Healthy School status.

Almost 150 pupils at Garrick Green Infant School in Old Catton took part in a choice of activities, which included an anti-bullying drama workshop and a speed stacking activity, to celebrate the award, which the school has been working towards for three years.

It has ensured children are offered the recommended five hours of PE per week - two hours in school and three as extra curricular activities - and has meant a school garden has been developed, where children grow and sell produce.

Head teacher Rebecca Dewing said: 'We are thrilled to officially be a healthy school and recognise the links between pupils' health and their learning and development.

'Our pupils are really enthusiastic about discovering what it means to be healthy and making good choices about what they eat.

'Healthy schools is about more than just healthy eating and regular exercise though, it combines good mental health, friendship and care, guidance and support.

'We work hard to ensure all of our pupils feel happy and safe in school and that they have opportunities to actively develop their understanding of what being healthy means.'

In Norfolk there are 324 schools with full Healthy Schools status. The programme is aimed at supporting the link between health, behaviour and achievement, and is about creating healthy and happy children and young people who do better in learning and in life.

There are four strands to the programme - personal, social and health education, healthy eating, physical activity and emotional health and well-being.

Has your school been given a special award, or are you holding another celebration? Call Sam Emanuel on 01603 772438 or email sam.emanuel@archant.co.uk.