We were awarded the Healthy School Award in 2022 and are very proud to hold this accreditation. We aim to promote and support healthy lifestyles and choices for the children, their families and ourselves.  Research undertaken by the School Food Trust has found that eating a healthy diet can have a direct impact on children’s ability to learn effectively and has a positive effect on their concentration and behaviour.  Across the country, there is increasing concern about rising rates of obesity and related health problems in children. Additionally, there is a national health crisis, with oral hygiene being a significant concern for school-aged children. Almost 9 out of 10 hospital tooth extractions among children aged 0 to 5 years are due to preventable tooth decay and tooth extraction is still the most common hospital procedure in 6 to 10 year olds.

As a school we believe it is part of our responsibility to help children learn how to keep themselves healthy and we encourage them to eat healthily, exercise regularly and to drink plenty of water.

As part of our school curriculum offer we develop the children’s understanding of how to be healthy and fit.   Subjects such as Science, PE, Design Technology, PSHE and RSE all contain elements relating of leading an active healthy lifestyle. 

All children will engage in two PE sessions each week alongside break and lunchtime play opportunities. Children in the Foundation Stage will also have daily use of the outdoor learning environment. Access Coaching come into school, working alongside Sports Leaders, to deliver sporting skills during lunchtimes.  A range of extra-curricular clubs are also available to children to help them to stay active. 

All children should have a balanced diet, which includes plenty of water and fruit, alongside their three main meals.  Breakfast is essential and we urge all families to ensure their children have a suitable breakfast before coming to school. School runs its own Breakfast Club, which all children are able to use through arrangement. Throughout their day they will also need regular access to fresh drinking water to keep them hydrated and alert for learning.

Lunch is an important meal for everyone, particularly growing school-aged children.  At Backworth Park we want to ensure that all children enjoy their lunchtimes and have the opportunity to eat a healthy and nutritional lunch.

If your child has any allergies or dietary needs it is important that we know about these immediately in order to ensure they are kept safe at school. We often carry out cooking sessions or have food tasting opportunities.

Healthier Lunchbox Checklist:

Have you included…?

• A good portion of starchy food: e.g.  thick wholemeal bread, chapatti, pitta pocket, pasta or rice salad?
• Plenty of fruit and vegetables: e.g. an apple, a satsuma, handful of cherry tomatoes or carrot sticks, mini-can of fruit chunks or small box of raisins?
• A portion of milk or dairy food: e.g. individual cheese portion or pot of yogurt?
• A portion of lean meat, fish or alternative: e.g. ham, chicken, beef, tuna, egg, hummus or bean/lentil salad?
• A drink: milk or water.

Please note that we are a NUT FREE school so please do not send any nuts or products containing nuts (such as peanut butter or cereal bars with nuts) into school with your child.

Child oral health: applying All Our Health - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Children's teeth - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Healthy eating | Overview | PHE School Zone

Physical health and mental wellbeing (Primary and secondary) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)