HEALTHY schools got national recognition during an awards evening which recognised work in fields as diverse as sex education and balanced eating, reports Karen Barden.

National Healthy Schools Adviser Colin Noble presented four South Lakeland schools with certificates in a country-wide scheme for accredited Healthy Schools status.

So far, 50 schools in Cumbria have been successful and another 200 are working towards recognition.

Developments include safe routes to school, physical activity, health education, general well-being, citizenship and school councils.

Morecambe Bay Health Authority and Cumbria County Council are working in partnership with schools on the scheme.

CCC cabinet spokesperson for education Joan Stocker said it was wonderful to see so many schools accredited with the award.

"The health needs of the young people in this area are very important and to be able to develop a wide range of health initiatives and receive so many awards is a major achievement for this county," she added.

Flookburgh was among the county's 11 most recent schools to be recognised. Others included Sedbergh and Crosscrake primaries and John Ruskin School, Coniston.

Flookburgh head teacher Chris Brooksbank was presented with the award by Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust's Health Promotion Specialist For Schools and Young People, Ian Twiselton and Healthy Schools Co-ordinator in the South for Cumbria LEA, Ms Lindsey Ormesher.

Mr Brooksbank said: "We now have bottled water on the tables which hydrates the pupils and enables them to work better and milk is also available." He added that as part of the health initiative, the school would also be hosting a Bug Busting Day in January, to raise awareness of head-lice.

January 3, 2003 12:00