Milton Keynes Council has become the first local authority in the country to join a new national scheme that supports schools to raise children and young people’s aspirations, drive healthy behaviour change and improve learning. Twenty-five schools in the borough have signed up to Schools4Life, which was launched locally at Queen Eleanor School on Thursday (7 April).
Schools4Life aims to give every school the opportunity to evidence their health and wellbeing activities to make sure all children and young people, their parents and wider community are supported to be healthier, reduce social inequalities and enjoy learning for life.
The initiative builds on the success of the Department of Health’s Healthy Schools Programme which has now come to an end. All schools in the UK are being invited to join Milton Keynes in the programme so they can carry on their Healthy Schools’ work to improve health and wellbeing and support each other to tackle local priorities.
Milton Keynes Council will be working with NHS Milton Keynes to tackle health inequalities, incorporating the Change4Life programme locally.
Sarah Conway, the council’s Assistant Director for Universal Services in Children and Young People’s Services, said, “We are delighted to continue the important work our schools are doing to support children and young people to make healthier choices, reach their full academic potential and live healthier, happier lives.
Schools4Life offers us the flexibility and expertise to really tackle some of our most challenging health behaviours, helps us deliver the government’s localism agenda and is a great way to partner more effectively with schools, local organisations and parents.”
Cllr Sam Potts Cabinet Member for Public Health said, “NHS Milton Keynes and Milton Keynes Council are working to support schools in all areas to develop the programme in the way that best meets the needs of the pupils and families.
Schools4Life is an excellent opportunity to help reduce health inequalities in our local communities. It will also help local children learn how to live a balanced healthy lifestyle – for life.”
Queen Eleanor School hosted the launch event in Milton Keynes where schools heard more about the scheme and how it will benefit their pupils and families. Headteacher Elizabeth Lockhart said, “It’s so exciting to be part of a local initiative where we can continue to show evidence of our commitment to supporting children and young people to make healthier choices – and increase their capacity to succeed academically.”
For more information about Schools4Life, please visit www.Schools4Life.org.uk or call 0845 6017848.
Useful Information
Schools taking part in the scheme are: Bow Brickhill, Loughton School, Heronsgate, Olney Middle, Queen Eleanor, Stantonbury, Woodend, Wavendon Gate, Ousedale, Olney First, Orchard, Green Park, Brooklands Farm, Broughton, Heronshaw, Emerson Valley, Penwith, Brooksward, Southwood, Middleton and Long Meadow.
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