Pembrokeshire schools were the first ever to receive Healthy Schools Awards from the National Assembly for Wales for their whole school approach to health in education. The awards are a result of the schools taking part in the 'Pembrokeshire Health Promoting Schools Project', the first of its kind to be accredited by the National Assembly for Wales.
Dr. Brian Gibbons AM, Deputy Minister for Health, presented special awards to 14 Pembrokeshire schools at a special event at Withybush Hospital Conference Centre last Thursday to mark the success of the 'Pembrokeshire Health Promoting Schools Project'.
Local children demonstrated their skills by performing sketches with health themes such as sun safety and friendship, and serving healthy refreshments. Each school also mounted a display about their work.
"Health Promoting Schools put health at the centre of their curriculum," said Lynne Perry, health promotion officer at Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Health Promotion Service. "Pupils are actively involved in decision-making processes, for example in deciding what should be sold in their school tuck shop or how best to tackle bullying.
"These children have the skills and the confidence to choose healthy options throughout their lives, which is a great achievement," she said.
The Health Promotion Centre of Pembrokeshire Local Health Group has worked in partnership with the Education Department of Pembrokeshire County Council and the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust to deliver the Pembrokeshire Health Promoting Schools Project. The project forms part of the World Health Organisation's European Network of Health Promoting Schools.
"This scheme has been received with enthusiasm and has had a positive impact on all participating schools," said Christine Phillips, education adviser with Pembrokeshire County Council. "Each project has enabled the children to practice their skills and develop positive attitudes. This has enhanced their learning throughout the curriculum and influenced the whole school community."
The 14 schools which received their awards on September 6 are: Tenby Infants; Stepaside School; St. Florence School; Golden Manor Infants School; Grove Junior School; Pembroke Dock Community School; Pennar Infants School; Stackpole School; St. Mary's School; Fishguard Junior School; Mount Airey Infants School; Fenton Community Primary School; Milford Haven Junior School and Maenclochog School.
The celebrations were attended by delegates from the local authority and local NHS, governors, school nurses, NAFW, Agenda 21, as well as headteachers, pupils and health promotion co-ordinators.