Local students recognised for embracing healthier lifestyles

11 primary schools from across Birmingham have received an award for building and sustaining healthy lifestyles presented by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Chaman Lal.

Children and teachers from the 11 Birmingham-based schools gathered at Highbury Hall earlier this month to mark their achievements over the past 18 months, as part of the Health for Life® initiative – a scheme that encourages active and healthy lifestyles.

During the event, students and staff from the 11 schools were presented with plaques and certificates by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal, who celebrated their achievements across physical exercise, healthy eating and growing their own food, as part of the Health for Life initiative.

Created and funded by Mondelēz International and delivered in partnership with Services For Education, with the support of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), the Health for Life programme aims to engage people in growing fruit and vegetables, learning about healthy eating, improving cooking skills and taking part in a range of physical activities.

The annual award ceremony celebrates how teachers, students, and their families, have made physical activity, growing fruit and vegetables and cooking healthy meals, a fun and engaging part of learning.

Pupils at Springfield House Special School received an award for their efforts in learning how to cook an array of healthy meals and introducing a ‘cook and share’ month, where pupils’ families are invited to the school to engage in a wide range of activities.

Sutton Coldfield-based school, Penns Primary, have incorporated regular cooking into their curriculum, and even acquired an allotment to grow their own food. Meanwhile, pupils at Oasis Foundry in Winson Green have benefited from a brand-new kitchen space and playground equipment, thanks to the award-winning programme.

Stuart Broadaway, Personal Development Lead at Springfield House Community Special School in Knowle, commented:

“All of the teachers and pupils have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Health for Life programme over the past two years. It’s been wonderful to see how engaged and enthusiastic students have been throughout the programme, and to also see how their communication and confidence has developed.”

Since its launch in 2011, Health for Life in primary schools has reached more than 142,000 people, with one in two of Birmingham primary schools having now taken part in the programme.

Helen Grundy, education adviser at Services for Education, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of all the pupils across the 11 schools who have taken part in the programme. It’s wonderful to see the positive difference the initiative continues to make at primary schools across Birmingham, and it’s brilliant to celebrate their achievements during the ceremony.”

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, added:

“We’re incredibly proud to fund Health for Life which has such a positive influence on local communities across the city. Well done to all the pupils, staff and families who have taken part in the programme, and for all their hard work in bringing about the impressive changes which make such a difference and embed healthier lifestyle activities in school life.”

For more information on the Health for Life scheme, visit www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/health-for-life/ and for further details on Mondelēz International, head to www.mondelezinternational.com.