Blacklow Brow Primary School in Huyton has become the first school in the borough to receive a Gold Award as part of Knowsley’s Healthy Schools Programme. The achievement celebrates the school’s exceptional commitment to fostering a positive environment through healthy eating and active living.
The award was presented by Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health, who visited the school on Friday 10 October along with the Leader of the Council, Cllr Graham Morgan and Roby Ward member, Cllr Kevin Bannon to recognize the efforts of the students and staff. She presented the award at a special assembly to the school’s Healthy Eating Champions and the councillors met with the School Council to hear more the significant changes they have implemented.
Knowsley’s Healthy Schools programme, which launched in November 2024, is rapidly bringing healthier choices to children, with a massive 90% of the borough’s primary and SEND schools now taking up the challenge. The programme supports schools in adopting healthier school meals menus and promoting active lifestyles, recognizing their progress with Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards.
Blacklow Brow Primary earned its Gold status by successfully achieving and actively working towards the actions outlined in its ‘Pledge for a Healthy and Active Future’. The school set actions on areas they wanted to improve within the nine commitments of the pledge. These included development of a healthy lifestyle policy, further promotions of healthy choices in packed lunches and use the Healthy Schools funding to develop a school allotment to grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables. The school also developed their own active travel plan gaining Green Level for the Mode Shift Stars programme.
Cllr Bannon praised the school’s dedication to student well-being saying: “It’s fantastic to see Blacklow Brow Primary leading the way and achieving this inaugural Gold Award. The enthusiasm and commitment from the children themselves is truly inspiring.
“Speaking to the School Council, it’s clear they are driving these positive changes, from encouraging healthier packed lunches to boosting physical activity. This school is a shining example of how working together can create a real, lasting impact on the health of our young people.”
The school’s commitment follows a successful borough-wide trend. The programme’s initial focus, the Bronze Award, saw schools improve food provision and adopt healthier menus, with results showing that over 60% of pupils in one school felt the changes were beneficial and over 50% reported eating more fruit due to healthier desserts. Furthermore, 20 schools have introduced popular ‘Swap Stations’ to encourage healthier packed lunch choices.
Mr. Damian Kenny, Headteacher at Blacklow Brow Primary, expressed his pride in the school community: “Achieving the Gold Award is a momentous occasion and a testament to the hard work of our pupils, staff, and parents,” he stated. “We believe that a healthy body is crucial for a healthy mind, and this award validates our efforts to embed wellness into the very fabric of school life. Our children are now more aware and empowered to make choices that will benefit them for years to come.”
Schools in the programme receive funding to support their health initiatives, which can be spent on resources such as outdoor drinking water fountains, allotments, and sports equipment.
With 19 schools having achieved Bronze and four Silver, Blacklow Brow Primary’s Gold Award sets the bar high and demonstrates the programme’s success in transforming health and well-being across Knowsley’s schools.