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,
Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
“Health and wellbeing are so important at any age and it’s fantastic that this programme helps instil healthy habits for mind and body in our children and young people across the city.
“Huntington School has shown a real commitment to the health of pupils and staff and I’m delighted that their dedication has paid off by being the first school in the city to gain the Gold Award. Huge congratulations to all those involved.”
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.”
As part of the programme, Huntington School has introduced a new Mental Health Policy and 12 Mental Health Champions from Year 12 and Year 10 who will deliver drop-in sessions for students.
Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, added:
“Huntington School’s achievement is a brilliant example of how a whole school approach can make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of young people.
“Creating an environment that supports physical and mental wellbeing, from early years through to adulthood, is crucial. I loved what one of the pupils I met at Huntington School said when I met them to present their award– it’s about your inside and outside health.
“By embedding these values into school life, Huntington is helping to build a healthier, more resilient generation.”
Ensuring that York is a health generating city, where residents are able to live happy healthy lives is one of the council’s priorities, set out in the Council Plan 2023-2027, One City for all.
For further information on the Healthy Schools programme please contact: healthy.schools@northyorks.gov.uk or register to take part online