Schools from across the city came together to celebrate their commitment to health and wellbeing at a special celebration event.
Pupils from 26 schools descended on the debating chamber at Leeds Civic Hall to receive awards for obtaining Healthy School status as well as to vote on their top priorities for the city’s health.
This event was held to celebrate the recent achievements of schools across the city in obtaining Healthy School Status and schools received certificates and plaques in recognition of this.
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 event showcased some of the good work the schools have done over the year including presentations from four schools as well as examples of physical activity work.
As well as presenting the schools with their awards, lead member for health Councillor Josie Jarosz and lead member for children and families Councillor Jane Dowson, delivered keynote speeches about the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Leeds.
Councillor Jane Dowson, lead member for children and families said:
“Teaching children about maintaining a healthy lifestyle both physically and emotionally is very important to the wellbeing of pupils. The schools should be proud of their achievements and are shining examples of the great work being carried out in Leeds to provide our children and young people with a complete education.”
Councillor Josie Jarosz, lead member for health said:
“It is vital that schools play a leading role in helping pupils understand the importance of their own health and wellbeing, and the impact it can have on their education as well as their life outside of school. By achieving the healthy school status these schools are demonstrating a commitment to their pupils and staff alike.”
As part of the event children and young people also had the opportunity to make use of the voting system within the council chamber, which the city’s councillors use to vote on important city-wide decisions. The children and young people voted on what they think should be the top three health and wellbeing priorities for the city.
