Huntington School has become the first in the city to be awarded a Gold Healthy Schools’ Award.
The award is part of City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council’s Healthy Schools Programme.
The programme aims to encourage state-funded schools across the county to work towards improving the health and wellbeing of pupils through a ‘whole school approach’. It covers four key themes: personal, social, and health education (PSHE); emotional health and wellbeing; active lifestyles; and food in schools.
Pupil voice and involvement is a key part of the programme, along with staff wellbeing with schools working towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Healthy School awards. Teachers can also take advantage of free resources and training sessions.
A third of schools in York are working with the programme, which is funded and supported by the council’s Public Health team.
Huntington School was the first school in the city to achieve Healthy Schools Gold accreditation under the programme.
Matt Smith, headteacher at Huntington School, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be the first school in York to receive the Gold Healthy Schools Award.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff and students in creating a culture where wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our new Mental Health Champions and policy are just the beginning of a wider journey to ensure every member of our school community feels supported, valued and empowered.”
