Deputy Mayor celebrates Beaconsfield's Healthy Schools London success

London’s Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, visited Beaconsfield Primary School in Southall today to celebrate the steps the school has taken to improve the health and wellbeing of its pupils.

Beaconsfield Primary School has achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold status as part of the Mayor of London’s Healthy Schools London award scheme. The school gained the awards in recognition of its efforts to increase physical activity and encourage healthy eating.

The Deputy Mayor saw the impact of the school’s improvements on pupils’ health and wellbeing as she met with staff and children at the school. Joanne attended a powerwalking and circuit activity class as well as outdoor games with nursery children.

She took part in a healthy cooking session, joined Year Six pupils discussing their rights and met pupil playground leaders and members of the school council to understand more about the school’s role in contributing to living a healthy lifestyle.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is supporting early-years education and childcare providers in creating healthier, more supportive environments for the children they serve. His Healthy Schools London award scheme gives Bronze, Silver and Gold status to schools which actively encourage children to learn about their health and empower them to develop lifelong healthy habits.

Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, said: “It is important that we equip young Londoners to look after their health from an early age, and schools such as Beaconsfield Primary play a vital role in doing that.

“Whether through regular physical activity, after-school sports, breakfast clubs or encouraging children to enjoy healthy packed lunches, Healthy Schools London empowers children, parents, guardians and teachers to make healthy choices every day.

“The staff and pupils of Beaconsfield Primary School should be very proud of their efforts in achieving the Gold Award. I am confident that their success will inspire more schools to follow in their footsteps and sign up to Healthy Schools London.”

Dave Woods, Headteacher, Beaconsfield Primary School: “Our pupils and staff continue to work to increase participation in sport through clubs, after-school activities and lunchtime games with the support of our ‘Playground Buddies’.

“The Healthy School London awards have enabled us to prioritise different aspects of our work encouraging healthy eating, increased use of our purpose-built cooking room and our soon to be opened ‘edible garden’.

“We look forward to the next stages of our work in this area reducing food waste to ensure pupils at the school continue on the path to health and active lifestyles.”

Nicole McGregor, Senior Health Improvement Manager, Ealing Council said: “Beaconsfield Primary School were one of the first schools in Ealing in achieve Healthy Schools London Gold status. The school achieved this award in recognition of its efforts to increase physical activity and encourage healthy eating.

“It’s encouraging to see most schools in Ealing, including Beaconsfield Primary School, prioritising their pupils’ health and understanding how important health is to children’s learning. I hope the work achieved at Beaconsfield can inspire other schools to prioritise pupil health and wellbeing.”

ENDS