Educational programme supporting greener lifestyle.
South Birmingham MP Steve McCabe joined pupils and teachers from 23 primary schools at an event designed to celebrate healthy living.
Held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the event brought together representatives from primary schools across South Birmingham to showcase a range of activities currently taking place as part of the Health for Life in primary schools programme. The Selly Oak MP, said: “It is wonderful to see teachers and pupils come together to celebrate their healthy living achievements. The displays by the school children are excellent and they show a real understanding of sustaining a healthy lifestyle in and outside of school.”
The Health for Life programme, which is currently running in primary and secondary schools, as well as in various locations across the community, is funded by the Mondelēz International Foundation, and delivered by the Health Education Service in conjunction with Life Education Centres West Midlands and The Conservation Volunteers.
Dr Sandra Passmore, Education Adviser at the Health Education Service, said: “The Health for Life in primary schools programme supports schools to develop healthy active lifestyles and embeds the work in the school culture in a sustainable way. Events such as these are very important as they give everyone the opportunity to come together to recognise their achievements and share healthy living ideas.”
Kelly Farrell, Community Affairs Manager at Mondelēz International, added: “The Health for Life programme offers a broad range of activities which encourage people to join in and have fun.
“We’ve seen some great examples of healthy cooking and family involvement and it’s wonderful to talk to pupils and hear how much they’ve enjoyed taking part in new activities such as after-school gardening clubs and additional sports opportunities. These are clearly making a difference to their attitudes towards healthy lifestyles.”
Sarah, pupil at St Ambrose Barlow Primary school, said: “It was a brilliant experience for me and my friends! I wish we could do it again.”
The £3.1 million five year programme supports activities that engage pupils, school staff and families in growing food, healthy eating and cookery and physical activity. Schools have made wide ranging and sustainable changes some of which have included opportunities for the whole family to get involved.
This year’s event saw more than 150 teachers and pupils along with other schools participating in the programme next year join for the celebration. For more information about Health for Life in primary and secondary schools, contact sandra.passmore@servicesforeducation.co.uk.