Healthy Schools

HIBPS Healthy Schools Statement

As a community committed to the education and growth of our children, we recognise that promoting healthy lifestyles and physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential to academic success. Histon and Impington Brook Primary school is dedicated to creating an environment that supports and encourages healthy habits and behaviours.

There are several reasons why our school believes healthy eating can lead to educational achievement:

1. Improved cognitive function: Eating a healthy diet can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed. This can help children better retain information, concentrate on their learning, and process complex concepts.
2. Increased energy levels: A diet rich in nutrients and low in processed foods can provide the body with sustained energy levels throughout the day. This can help children stay focused and alert during the day and prevent the energy crashes that can come with consuming high-sugar or high-fat foods.
3. Better overall health: Eating a healthy diet can also lead to better overall health, including a stronger immune system and better sleep quality. When children are healthy and well-rested, they are better equipped to make progress and perform at their best.
4. Improved mood: Eating a healthy diet can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This can help children maintain a positive outlook and cope with the challenges that come with academic life.

A healthy diet can provide the nutrients and energy needed for optimal cognitive function and academic performance, as well as improve overall health and well-being.

We encourage children to make healthy food choices by providing nutritious options for lunchtime meals. We also encourage children to bring healthy snacks and lunches from home.

In addition to a balanced diet, physical activity is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. The children have access to high quality physical education lessons and additional extracurricular activities that promote physical activity and teach children the importance of staying active. We have developed a comprehensive physical education curriculum that includes a wide range of physical activities and sports, such as team sports, individual sports and fitness programmes. PE is integrated into our school day through active breaks, daily mile, regular PE sessions and regular school events.  We also encourage children to walk or bike to school whenever possible.

We recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we strive to create a safe and supportive environment that promotes emotional well-being. There are several ways we support children's mental health using the five ways of wellbeing:

1. Connect: Encourage children to build positive relationships with peers, family members, and other supportive adults. Facilitate opportunities for children to interact with others through group activities, team sports, or social events.
2. Be active: Encourage regular physical activity, such as through participation in sports, dance, or other physical activities. This can help children develop healthy habits, improve their mood, and reduce stress.
3. Take notice: Encourage children to pay attention to the world around them and be mindful of their thoughts and feelings. This can be done through activities such as art mindfulness and think-books.
4. Keep learning: Encourage children to try new things, explore their interests, and pursue new learning opportunities. This can help build confidence, foster a sense of accomplishment, and promote ongoing personal growth.
5. Give: Encourage children to help others and give back to their community. This can be done through volunteering or simply helping a friend in need. Giving back can help build empathy, foster a sense of connection, and promote positive emotions.

By prioritising these five ways of wellbeing in our support of children's mental health, we can help promote positive emotional well-being and build resilience in children. It's important to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one child may not work for another. Therefore, it's important to be flexible and responsive to individual needs and circumstances, and to seek professional support when necessary. Our school offers resources and support for children who may be struggling with mental health issues, and we encourage children to seek help if needed.

Overall, we believe that promoting healthy lifestyles and physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for academic success. By creating a supportive environment that encourages healthy habits and behaviours, we hope to empower our children to achieve their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.

Aims

• To promote a whole school approach to a healthy lifestyle.
• To educate children about the importance of looking after their mental health and well-being.
• To help children and staff develop greater confidence, motivation, self-esteem and have the skills, information and understanding to make important life and health choices using current information and outside agencies.
• For children to learn how to develop good relationships and respect the differences between people.
• To provide high quality Physical Education as part of a lifelong healthy lifestyle.
• To increase the children’s knowledge and understanding of the importance of nutritious food and water in their diet.
• To develop the teaching of Food Technology aspect of the Design and Technology Curriculum with regard to Healthy Eating.
• To encourage KS2 children to choose a healthy snack at morning break time.
• To support the ‘Fruit for School’s’ initiative by encouraging KS1 children to eat one portion every day at break.
• To have access to daily Milk.
• To achieve better academic results within a setting that supports their health and well-being.

We asked the School Council for thoughts on what they thought made our school a healthy school... here they are:

• Range of sporting opportunities for all children, including a variety of sports and run by different specialist teachers.
• Healthy lunches, including a salad bar every day.
• Active ventilation breaks.
• Daily mile and incentivised rewards based on how far you have travelled around the world as a class.
• Promote healthy snacks and packed lunches.
• Blue Smile and other external people to meet with to support with children’s mental health and wellbeing.
• PSHE lessons teach you how to safe in the wider world.
• First aiders to help you if you have an accident.
• Teachers help with friendships and if you ever need someone to talk to.
• Think Books- to write down thoughts and feelings.

They also suggested things that could make our school even better:

• Growing more vegetables and flowers.
• Greater variety of vegetables and fruit in salad bar.
• More equipment for break and lunchtimes.