Children celebrate health and wellbeing at school

Pupils have been sharing the creative ways their school promotes physical and mental wellbeing at a special event.

The council’s public health team hosted the event, attended by 33 schools, to celebrate the great work being done in classrooms and to provide information and ideas to help maintain pupils’ health and wellbeing.

Information about the specific health needs of Darlington pupils were discussed and presentations were given by wide range of services who can work with schools to support their pupils to achieve their potential academically

Local schools, including Haughton Academy, Carmel College and Harrowgate Hill Primary School, shared their ideas and good work.

Pupils from Reid Street Primary School were invited to the event to explain how their school prioritises mental health. The pupils created their own presentation showing how their school helps them to feel safe and supported.

Children at the school have access to the Zumos wellbeing app, which uses fun games to teach skills and techniques to use if they are worried or have other confusing emotions. Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is prioritised at the school and children are encouraged to take brain breaks to promote mental resilience. Brain breaks use movement, mindfulness and sensory activities to help children to take a short time away from the academic day.,

The school has been awarded the Darlington PSHE quality mark recognising excellence in teaching and promoting PSHE throughout the school curriculum. Hurworth Primary School has also achieved the award and ten more are working towards it.

A spokesperson for Reid Street school said: “The children were delighted to talk about the work we do in school to promote mental wellbeing. The event was a great way to share good practice, meet our peers and find out ways we can all work together to promote children’s wellbeing.”
 

Mathew Roche, cabinet member for health and housing said ““This event showcased the great work going on in the Borough to improve children’s health and wellbeing, in schools and beyond. As well as the support available from the Council to help schools. 

“Children having the best start in life is a key part of the Council Plan and Darlington’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy. And events like this really help improve partnership working."