Three schools have been celebrated for creating healthier learning environments for children.
Shirley Infant School, Beechwood Junior School, and Mansel Park Primary School were recognised for achieving the Healthy High 5 Award, a scheme promoting health and wellbeing through daily routines and school culture.
The award is part of a programme delivered by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Southampton City Council, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.
Katie Furby, assistant headteacher at Beechwood Junior School, said: "Our school has been working incredibly hard to ensure the wellbeing and health of our children and staff are put first.
"That’s never been more important than it is today, and we’ve worked hard with all the children across the school."
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The Healthy High 5 Award is built around a five-point framework, which includes adding 10 minutes of daily physical activity, ensuring access to water, supporting healthy food choices through lunch, breakfast and after school clubs, introducing mindfulness practices, and offering opportunities for children to connect with nature.
Schools are encouraged to make these activities a core part of everyday life.
Ms Furby said: "We managed to skip the bronze and silver award and go straight to gold, which we’re incredibly proud of.
"We’ll continue to work with the team next year and see what exciting things it will bring."
Since the programme began in 2018, more than 100 Healthy High Five certificates have been awarded.
Dr Debbie Chase, director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: "Every child deserves the best start in life.
"The Healthy High 5 Award is a great example of how schools can support children’s health and wellbeing in a meaningful and lasting way, and we are delighted to work with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to deliver it across Southampton.
“I’d like to congratulate Shirley Infant School, Beechwood Junior School and Mansel Park Primary School on this fantastic achievement on receiving the award.
"Their dedication to creating healthier school communities should be celebrated."
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