Knowsley’s Healthy Schools programme is bringing healthier choices to children – with 90% of the borough’s primary schools taking up the challenge.
Knowsley Council’s Healthy Schools programme supports schools to create positive environments by adopting healthy school meals menus and promoting active lifestyles.
Schools joining the programme are presented with bronze, silver and gold awards which recognise their level of participation and achievements in the scheme.
Since its launch in November 2024, 90% of Knowsley’s 52 primary and SEND schools have got involved, with 19 achieving bronze awards, four silver and one school achieving a gold award.
Achieving Healthy Schools awards
The Healthy Schools Bronze Award focuses on improving the school food provision, adopting healthier school meals menus and promoting healthy packed lunches.
Recent menu changes have been well received by staff and pupils – 61% of pupils at one school think the changes have been great/good for their health and more than 50% say they are now eating more fruit due to the healthier desserts.
To encourage pupils to choose healthier options for their packed lunches, 20 schools have introduced ‘Swap Stations’ which have received great feedback from the school community.
“The Swap Station has been a great idea. It is hard to get my son to try new foods, especially fruit and veg, but he has swapped twice this week and tried different fruits. I am really pleased that he has been encouraged to try something new.” Parent of child in Key Stage 2, Our Lady’s Primary
Schools achieving a Silver Award have launched their ‘Pledge for a Healthy and Active Future’, involving the wider school community and inviting parents to be part of a launch celebration. Holy Family Primary in Halewood sold vegetables the pupils had been growing in their allotment to parents as part of their pledge event.
Gold awards are given to schools achieving actions outlined in their ‘Pledge for a Healthy and Active Future’ – or are actively working towards these. Schools have also achieved green level for the ‘Mode Shift Stars’ national active travel plan.
Schools receive funding to support their Healthy Schools activities and can decide how the money will be spent. Examples include using the funding to provide outdoor drinking water fountains, creating allotments, providing sports equipment and support towards after school clubs.
Want to get involved?
If your school isn’t part of the Healthy Schools programme, but would like to get involved, please contact sophie.aherne@knowsley.gov.uk
Healthy Schools roll of honour
Bronze award
Prescot Primary
Huyton with Roby Primary
Holy Family Primary (Halewood)
Westvale Primary
Whitson Willis Primary
Willow Tree Primary
St Laurence Primary
Malvern Primary
Knowsley Village Primary
Our Lady’s Primary
St Columba’s Primary
Kirkby Primary
Blacklow Brow Primary
St Brigid’s Primary
St Annes Primary
Bluebell Park
St Andrew the Apostle Primary
Holy Family (Cronton) Primary
St Margaret Mary’s Infants/Primary
Silver Award
Westvale Primary
Blacklow Brow Primary
St Brigid’s Primary
Holy Family (Halewood) Primary
Gold Award
Blacklow Brow Primary