Healthy Schools
Healthy Schools Statement
Orchard Park Community Primary School recognises that a healthy school is one that is successful in helping pupils to do their best and build on their achievements. It is committed to ongoing improvement and development. It promotes physical and emotional health and wellbeing by providing accessible and relevant information and equipping pupils with the skills and attitudes to make informed decisions about their health based on positive attitudes and information. We will liaise with outside agencies to ensure all information is current and relevant to our pupils and staff. The impact of this programme is based on a whole school approach to physical and emotional wellbeing focused on these core themes:
- Healthy Eating
- Physical Activity
- Emotional Health and Wellbeing
The whole-school approach involves the whole school community including children, staff, parents and governors. A healthy school understands the importance of investing in health to assist in the process of raising levels of pupil achievement and improving standards. It also recognises the need to provide both a physical, emotional, and social environment that is conducive to learning.
As a healthy school we strive to promote healthy eating to ensure our children have enough energy to last throughout the school day. In our Nursery and reception classes, the children are provided with a free healthy fruit snack and milk or water to drink. Year 1 and 2 children are also provided with a daily healthy snack. Furthermore, Tesco’s regularly donates fruit, providing our key stage 2 pupils with a healthy snack.
We aim to provide high quality Physical Education and School Sport partnership to promote physical activity as part of a lifelong healthy lifestyle. We will help children develop greater confidence, motivation, and self-esteem and have the skills, information and understanding to make important life and health choices. A variety of play equipment and activities are provided during play and lunchtimes, enabling children to be active and develop good relationships, showing respect and tolerance for one another.
We actively encourage our pupils to take part in competitions and events organised by Cambridge Schools Sports Partnership, covering a wide range of different sports for children of all ages. Our newly fitted outside gym equipment is available for all pupils, our school promotes an active lifestyle and creates a safe environment, providing accessible exercise for all abilities.
Email notification of achieved Healthy Schools Award
Orchard Park Primary has successfully achieved the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Healthy Schools Award. Well done to you for co-ordinating the process!
It has been a pleasure to meet with you and to learn so much about the inspiring and diverse range of activities that are provided to the pupils at Orchard Park Primary to enrich their life experiences and to empower them to make decisions and healthier choices.
Throughout the audit process it has been evident that you and your colleagues continually place the needs of the school community at the heart of everything you do and you are prioritising the importance of embedding and consistently extending the experiences of the pupils as they progress through the school. The focus which you have on staff wellbeing is exemplary and coupled with this are the efforts that are being made as a school to create a warm ,welcoming and re-assuring environment which encourages everyone to thrive and feel safe.
The engagement of local as well as national health and wellbeing programmes and initiatives reflect the commitment of the school to constantly seek improvement and variety in provision – your achievements are impressive and deserve to be shared and promoted.
Joanne Howling | Healthy You
Healthy Schools Coordinator
Take 5 Active Travel Zone
Introduction of a new Take 5 active travel zone
Cambridgeshire County Council Road Safety team are really excited to be working with Orchard Park Primary School to set up a Take 5 active travel zone around the school. This aims to improve journeys to school, congestion around the school and put in place healthy habits for children.
What is a Take 5 zone?
Lots of schools are encouraging a 5-minute active travel zone around the school. Asking families who need to drive to park away from the school gates and introduce a short walk, scoot or cycle into your daily routine.
Why promote active travel?
- Improves health and fitness.
- Improves concentration at school.
- Improves road safety around schools.
- Helps students to unwind after school by giving them time and space to think.
- Gives students more confidence and develops independence ready for when they travel on their own.
- Helps the environment by reducing air pollution , carbon emissions from cars and congestion around schools and nearby residential areas.
- It is a quicker and cheaper way to travel, particularly for short journeys.
I don’t have the time
We understand time is precious and introducing an extra 5 minutes into the morning routine can be difficult. There really isn’t space for everyone to drive right up to the gate so asking you to park 5 minutes away makes it fairer and safer for everyone. If you can partner with another family, you may be able to only walk some of the days and the children will enjoy the company. Make sure the school knows who will be collecting your children. There is also the option of arranging bigger groups into walking or cycling buses for some days. This can be an informal arrangement or supported by the school. Do ask if you want more information on this.
What happens now?
Look out for the map of the zone issued by the school and the lamp post stickers marking the edge of the zone. Now is the time to start putting active travel into the school routine.
Thank you for supporting the Take 5 zone. If you have any questions, please ask the school or the Road Safety team can be contacted on Road.Safety@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
