Knowsley Council’s Healthy Schools Award Scheme is going from strength to strength – with an increasing number of primary schools supporting the programme and helping to create healthier eating and lifestyle choices.
Since its launch late last year, 13 primary schools have achieved Bronze awards and 2 have reached Silver award standard. The award scheme supports primary schools across the borough to introduce healthy eating options to their lunch menus, as well as promoting healthy eating, active travel and physical activity.
Schools joining the programme will be presented with bronze, silver and gold awards which recognise their level of participation and achievements in the scheme
High School pupils at Halewood Academy are also supporting the campaign to bring more healthy options to lunchtime meals. Suggestions made by the school’s pupil leadership group to Knowsley Council’s Public Health and School Meals Service – including healthier drinks, more fruit and vegetable options – will be incorporated into future menus.
What’s happening in schools?
Schools joining the Healthy Schools Award Scheme have introduced lots of creative initiatives to encourage pupils to make healthy choices at mealtimes. These have included:
- creating display boards to promote healthy eating,
- introducing ‘swap stations’ encouraging pupils to swap lunchbox items with healthier alternatives,
- information about healthier snack times for parents,
- a ‘Sample Stars’ scheme, which celebrates pupils who try new foods at lunch.
Guidance has also been given for healthy breakfast and after school club menus.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “We would like to thank all the schools involved in our Healthy Schools Award Scheme. They are introducing some great initiatives and show a real commitment to healthy eating and physical activity at school. It was great to see how the pupils and staff go above and beyond to embed healthy eating and activity across their school day.”