Schools North East partnered with the Community Foundation to make a staggering £100,000 of funding available for schools wishing to develop their cultural, sporting or careers provision for disadvantaged and looked-after children. Funding of up to £4,000 was available per bid for schools across Tyne and Wear.
This project meant so much to us all here at Schools North East, and we were delighted to organise such a powerful opportunity for some of our local schools.
We recently caught up with West Denton Primary School to learn more about how they used this fantastic funding opportunity to help improve pupil health.
Project overview
Health and wellbeing should always take priority, no matter how old we are. And to successfully create good long-term habits, we must instil the right behaviour and attitudes in children as early as possible.
For West Denton Primary School, this rang particularly true, which is why they developed an initiative titled ‘Healthy Me’,
Its overarching aim was to improve the health and well-being of pupils and their families through a range of exercise classes and educational workshops centred on fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles.
It was a comprehensive approach towards health and wellness, targeting both the physical and cognitive aspects of pupils’ well-being. An excellent way to spend this unique funding.
Impact on students
The project’s impact on the pupils had many different layers, all of which contributed to happier, healthier students.
It not only improved their physical fitness levels but also enhanced their understanding of health and wellness. The exercise classes helped the children develop better physical strength, agility, and stamina, and fostered a positive attitude towards physical activity. Staff at West Denton Primary School highlighted that this is especially crucial right now, given the obesity issues in the community.
On the cognitive side, students demonstrated a greater understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits, which became particularly evident in their active participation in the Key Stage 2 Cookery Club, and improved understanding of healthy foods.
Now that’s a reason to celery-brate!
Why the project was successful
Staff said a significant success of the project was the integration of health education into their curriculum, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
The project also managed to encourage a sense of community, bringing together pupils, parents, teachers, and other professionals. This created an environment that encouraged collective learning and shared responsibility for health.
Last but certainly not least, the West Denton Primary School team highlighted that the inclusion of special needs students, and making the activities accessible for all, was another important achievement.
Top tips for other schools wishing to follow suit
If implementing this project in another school, staff say their top recommendation would be to tailor the program to suit the unique needs and characteristics of their school community.
Building partnerships with local health organisations and businesses can provide invaluable support, both in terms of resources and expertise. Also, they mention to ensure the project is inclusive for all students, regardless of their abilities, and foster an environment that encourages parental involvement.
Lastly, integrating health education into the regular curriculum can have a lasting impact on the students’ understanding of health and wellness.
The aim is to build positive habits for life, after all.
Positive outcomes that will leave a long-lasting impression
It sounds as though the ‘Healthy Me’ project was a crucial step towards promoting health and wellness in the school community, and that’s something we love to celebrate here at Schools North East.
While staff mentioned they faced certain challenges, the benefits gained by students and their families were significant and far-reaching. With a few enhancements, this project can be an excellent model for other schools seeking to improve their communities’ health and well-being.
Health is wealth, after all!
West Denton Primary School is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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