The National Healthy Schools Programme has been running for ten years and promotes  the link between good health, behaviour and achievement. John Ray Junior achieved National Healthy School status in 2008 following whole school initiatives that involved pupils, staff and parents.  It is a long term project  about creating happier, healthier children who do better in learning and in life!

The programme involves the whole school community and covers four core areas:
   o Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
   o Physical activity
   o Healthy Eating
   o Emotional Health and wellbeing

PSHE
PSHE is taught in all year groups as part of the curriculum.  We also include a weekly ‘thought for the week’ in our assemblies where children have the opportunity to discuss various issues.
Physical Activity
In addition to our PE lessons and after school clubs, children have the opportunity to participate in Fitbods.  Fitbods run at lunchtimes , supervised by Midday Assistants and encourage children to become involved in physical activity.  Since Fitbods started we have seen a huge increase in the number of children participating in physical activity.   Sports day is held once a year in the summer and all children are involved. 

Healthy Eating
Our school kitchen opened in 2008.  Children were involved in the choosing the menu and our school council sampled some of the food that would be on offer.  Making healthy food choices is covered as part of the curriculum. 
 
Emotional Health and Wellbeing
As part of our commitment to supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of our pupils, we have a school counsellor who is able to work with our children individually on a variety of issues.  We also have a full-time Pastoral Support Manager  who can work with children in small groups to build self esteem and develop social skills

Since being awarded National Healthy Schools status, we have continued to build upon our initiatives and develop our ideas further.  Should you have any ideas and feel that you would like to become involved in any part of our Healthy Schools programme, please contact Karen Harrison, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator.