County council launches new ‘healthy schools’ service across Northamptonshire

A new county-wide service has launched to help improve the health and wellbeing of school pupils and staff.

Northamptonshire County Council has recruited four dedicated ‘healthy schools advisors’ to work with primary, secondary and specialist schools.

The team, which will work on site, over the phone and online, has a wealth of expertise in teaching, special educational needs and disabilities, sports and physical activity development, mental health, personal training, exercise psychology and nutrition.

A county council spokeswoman said: “Research has shown that being physically, emotionally and socially healthy, is crucial in creating outstanding learning environments for children, as well as fostering an enjoyable and productive working environment for staff.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to address the health and wellbeing needs of everybody.

“The healthy schools service aims to guide schools to achieve success in the classroom and beyond.

“Collaboratively, the team will strive to help everyone feel safer, happier and more confident in embedding healthy behaviours into their lives.

“This will be achieved through supporting, encouraging and celebrating every school’s contribution towards the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

“Overall, the aim is to build resilience in children and young people across the county.”

The healthy schools service will begin with a self-assessment of the school covering the three core areas of mental health and wellbeing, healthy eating and physical activity.

Then a tailored action plan will be implemented to meet the specific needs of each school.

Find out more about the scheme on the county council’s website.

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