Scarborough Pupils Celebrated As Health And Climate Champions

Pupils from Scarborough's Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy have been recognised for their commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and tackling climate change at an annual awards event.

Pupils from Scarborough have been acknowledged for their dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles and the vital work they are doing to tackle climate change.

Children from Thomas Hinderwell Primary Academy in Scarborough were among dozens of school pupils from across North Yorkshire who gathered to celebrate their achievements as health ambassadors and climate champions.

Almost one hundred children attended the annual healthy schools event, which was held at the RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate. The initiative is designed to support pupils to adopt healthier lifestyles and care for the environment around them.

Throughout the day, the Scarborough pupils and their peers took part in a variety of hands-on activities aimed at boosting both wellbeing and environmental awareness. They explored practical and fun ways to keep their teeth healthy and discovered how their voices can be used to gather ideas and opinions that ultimately shape school life.

Outdoors, the children immersed themselves in nature for the benefit of their wellbeing. They tried a range of activities, such as yoga on the grass, canopy gazing beneath the trees, and energetic rounds of nature charades.

The youngsters also joined the RHS education team for pond dipping and planted pea seeds, allowing them to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world and learn practical ways to care for it.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Councillor Michael Harrison, praised the young people for their dedication.

Councillor Michael Harrison said:

"It is encouraging to see the work that is already under way in our schools in developing healthy habits in pupils and staff. The commitment shown by teachers, families and, most importantly, the children themselves is truly inspiring. Their enthusiasm for making positive choices, whether that’s through healthier lifestyles, caring for the environment or supporting one another’s wellbeing, shows how deeply these values are becoming embedded in school life."

North Yorkshire Council’s Healthy Schools Award Programme has seen significant uptake since its launch six years ago in 2019. So far, almost ninety per cent of the county’s schools have signed up to take part.

More than half of those participating schools have now gained awards in the scheme, which officially recognises pupils’ efforts to improve their health and wellbeing.

Participating schools work towards bronze, silver, or gold healthy school status. To achieve this, they must meet strict criteria across four key themes: active lives, food in schools, emotional health and well-being, and personal, social, and health education.

During the event, other schools were also highlighted for their specific achievements. Willow Tree Community Primary School achieved the prestigious Healthy Schools Platinum award for promoting active travel, while Burton Leonard Church of England Primary School was recognised for developing its climate action plan.

North Yorkshire Council’s director of public health, Louise Wallace, attended the event to celebrate the children's hard work.

Louise Wallace said:

"We all had a great day exploring ideas for how pupils can work together to make positive changes in their school. It was a real honour to present schools with their Healthy Schools certificates, which they have worked so hard to achieve. I would encourage even more schools to get involved and sign up to our Healthy Schools awards scheme."

The awards were presented to the schools by North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, and the authority’s member champion for young people, Councillor Alyson Baker.

Other schools taking part in the celebration included All Saints Church of England Primary School in Kirkby Overblow, Bedale Church of England Primary School, Oatlands Infants School, and St Peter’s School.

All schools across North Yorkshire and York can sign up to the Healthy Schools Award Programme at no cost.