The Downs Primary Achieves Essex Healthy Schools Award

THE Downs Primary School is celebrating the achievement of becoming an Enhanced Healthy School. The award was received in recognition of the hard work and impressive outcomes in improving the health and wellbeing of pupils. Working with Essex Children and Wellbeing Service, the programme engaged children, staff, parents/carers and The Downs’ school community using an inclusive, whole-school approach.

The school demonstrated how it supported pupils to lead healthy lives and strive for lasting health and wellbeing. This not only included healthy eating and physical activity, but also emotional health and ensuring that pupils’ views are heard.

Katie Polhill, Essex Healthy Schools & Public Health Manager said: ‘It’s very evident that the emotional health and wellbeing of the pupils is at the heart of the school, with a clear commitment by the senior leadership team, staff, pupils, parents and governors to ensure that the pupils are happy, healthy and feel safe and listened to. There is a clear commitment by everyone to ensure that effective strategies and projects are available for pupils to utilise and have their voices heard’.