Local pupils and staff from fourteen primary schools across Birmingham have been recognised for their work in embracing sustainable, healthy lifestyles throughout their school and wider communities.
The awards ceremony, which took place last Friday (13th February), invited representatives from the fourteen primary schools to celebrate their achievements, and receive awards by guest of honour, Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood.
Funded by Mondelēz International and delivered in partnership with Birmingham-based charity, Services for Education, with the support of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), the Health for Life® programme provides schools with funding, training and resources to help develop a school-wide healthy lifestyle ethos. Since 2011, Health for Life® has worked with 240 Birmingham nursery, primary and secondary schools, engaging thousands of pupils, staff members, families and communities.
Focusing on healthy eating and cooking skills, increased physical activity, and growing fruit and vegetables, schools are supported by Health for Life® to introduce initiatives that strive to involve the whole school community in healthier lifestyle activities.
Award-winning initiatives from this year’s cohort included installing composting stations and polytunnels in school outdoor areas, launching parent and children’s workshops on healthy eating, running collaborative cooking sessions, and developing lunch menus and recipe trails.
Schools also grew vegetables and fruit in purpose-built raised beds, planters, or encouraged pupils to reduce, re-use and recycle household items such as old welly boots as plant pots. As well as gardening, schools also led weekly, dedicated physical activity classes, clubs, and games for pupils to take part in.
Lucie Welch, Interim Health for Life® Programme Lead at Services for Education, said: “We’re so proud of the achievements of our schools, who have embraced the programme, embedding it into their curriculums and daily life.
“Year on year, we see new and exciting ways to get stuck in, which this year has included pop-up swimming pools, Bhangra dancing, growing fruit and vegetables and fun and informative cooking sessions.
This awards ceremony is the perfect way to celebrate our school’s successes, highlighting their wonderful achievements, knowledge and understanding they have gained, setting them up for healthier choices for life.”
Kelly Farrell, Community Affairs Manager at Mondelēz International, added: “The Health for Lifeprogramme is now in its fifteenth year, and it’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and dedication from primary schools and their pupils which continues to bring about positive and lasting changes.
“Every year we see different approaches and new ideas for engaging both students and their families in fun ways, which is really inspiring. We’re delighted to host the awards ceremony, recognising and celebrating the efforts of everyone involved.”
For more information on the Health for Life® scheme including how primary schools can get involved, visit www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/health-for-life/. For further details on Mondelēz International, head to www.mondelezinternational.com.