New health initiative at Somerset schools

The initiative is based around four themes: personal, social and health education; healthy eating; physical activity; and emotional health and well-being. More than 200 schools in Somerset have achieved National Healthy Schools Status (NHSS) with the help of Somerset County Council's Healthy Schools Team, professionals within Somerset Primary Care Trust (PCT) and colleagues in related fields. To achieve this they have demonstrated that their curriculum, environment and ethos promote not only learning, but also healthy lifestyle choices to give young people the best start in life. Clare Laker, Somerset County Council's healthy schools coordinator, said: "This is about broadening and deepening the great work that schools are already doing. The healthy schools programme is already well established across Somerset, resulting in children and young people who are happier and healthy, and better prepared for learning and life." The scheme aims to have 50% of schools on board in three years time. Michelle Hawkes, Somerset PCT public health specialist, added: "We have seen a local and national rise in levels of obesity and the associated ill health and premature death it causes must be tackled now. The Healthy Schools Plus programme is an essential part of the effort to improve the health of the young and give them the knowledge they need to make healthy choices each and every day of their lives." Weblink: www.somerset.gov.uk