14/2/2022

Three schools in Cardiff have been awarded national recognition for their work to promote health and wellbeing throughout their school communities, at the very highest standard.

Assessors for the Welsh Network of the Healthy School Schemes have awarded Ysgol Mynydd Bychan Primary School in Cathays, Ty Gwyn School in Ely and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School in Gabalfa, the Healthy Schools National Quality Award (NQA) for demonstrating excellence in all areas of health and wellbeing, with support from Cardiff Council's Healthy Schools Team.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "The Healthy Schools National Quality award is an accomplishment which focusses on the importance of pupil participation in core areas of school life, which directly affect the health and wellbeing of children and young people.

"It is an excellent achievement which requires schools to go through a rigorous process spanning at least nine years and I am delighted that three more of Cardiff's schools have successfully achieved the accolade, recognising the hard work from staff, pupils and their wider school communities.

"Health and wellbeing play an important part in school life and all three primary schools have demonstrated a wide range of unique and innovative initiatives and activities which have a positive impact on pupils and their families, helping to promote happy and healthy futures.

"I would like to personally like to congratulate the schools and I have no doubt that they will inspire others to develop and deliver new and exciting schemes for their own school communities"

Highlights from Ysgol Mynydd Bychan's report include:

• The motto of the school is "From little acorns, an oak tree will grow' and illustrates the aim to co-operate effectively with the purpose of guiding all children towards the highest crest possible.
• The culture, heritage and history of Wales is central to the curriculum. Emphasis is also placed on leading a healthy lifestyle, showing concern for the environment as well as promoting global citizenship
• The health and wellbeing of learners and staff is given the highest priority and the school leadership has demonstrated a very clear commitment to all aspects of the healthy School scheme over the years.
• Pupil voice is given prodigious prominence through the work of the School Council and the various learner groups such as the Health and Wellbeing group, the Eco Group and the Digital Leaders.

• The principles of the healthy school scheme are deeply embedded in the work of the school. The ethos of supporting and providing guidance to learners has a particularly positive impact on learners' wellbeing and in their moral and social development.

Reflecting on the good news, Headteacher, Siân Evans from Ysgol Mynydd Bychan said: "I'm very proud of the whole Mynydd Bychan community, especially the pupils and staff. Our school has always ensured that physical, mental and social health and wellbeing is a priority. We are very pleased that the NQA assessors confirmed that the principles of the healthy school scheme are well embedded in Ysgol Mynydd Bychan."

Highlights from the visit to Ty Gwyn School:

• Assessors found Ty Gwyn School to be a happy school with a calm, friendly and respectful atmosphere and an excellent caring ethos where pupils are happy and feel safe.
• The healthy schools ethos is evident and the healthy schools coordinator ensures that all at Ty Gwyn are instrumental in developing pupils' health and wellbeing.
• The Family Centre provides a range of highly effective support to families and offers a range of classes/activities for parents to engage in.
• Pupil voice is at the heart of Ty Gwyn of school life and pupils can contribute to decisions that affect them.
• The school cook and support staff play a vital role in ensuring that pupils follow a healthy diet and ensure that the range of nutritional, dietary and feeding needs of pupils are effectively addressed daily.
• The school has dedicated health professionals to meet pupils' needs such as nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists. Doctors and Consultants hold consultations with parents and their children at the school.
• The school's grounds boast Forest Schools areas, allotments, school gardens, a pond and well-resourced playgrounds.

Jamie BrothertonHeadteacher of Ty Gwyn School said: "Achieving the award is an excellent accomplishment for pupils, staff, governors, families and the team around the school. The school has worked as part of the Healthy Schools Network for many years. This has provided us with direction and quality assurance in developing practice at Ty Gwyn which is in line with our school ethos.

"In achieving the award pupils have shown high levels of determination and staff led by the Healthy Schools Co-ordinator have been incredibly passionate and dedicated. The school as part of the Western Learning Federation will continue to develop practice across health and wellbeing: an area of great importance our pupils." 

Highlights from the visit to St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School

• The school environment was found to be very welcoming and the healthy school ethos is evident throughout the school.
• An impressive number of awards have been achieved, including the third Eco Schools green flag, the silver award for Rights Respecting Schools and the highest Fairtrade Schools award.
• Teamwork is a key feature and both staff and parents are enthusiastic about developing pupils' health and wellbeing.
• Communication is excellent and Healthy Schools messages are conveyed regularly to families who welcome the schools open-door policy and friendly atmosphere.
• Every opportunity is taken to ensure the indoor and outdoor are used well including outdoor reading shelters and classrooms, a new assault course and Forest School area.
• Pupil voice at St Joseph's is at the heart of school life ensuring that learners can make a meaningful contribution to their school and the local and global community.

In response to the award, Deputy Headteacher at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Helen Wheeler said: "We are delighted to have achieved the National Healthy Schools Award, reaching the highest standards in all seven aspects of health and well-being. It is a clear reflection of the commitment and dedication of the whole school community, working together in promoting and encouraging healthy choices in our daily lives.

"We are especially proud of our fantastic pupils, who have been true advocates of their mission to create a healthy community."

Gemma Cox, Principal lead for Educational Settings at Public Health Wales said: "We are delighted that Ysgol Mynydd Bychan, Ty Gwyn School and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School have received our National Quality Award. They deserve this important recognition for their commitment to embedding health and wellbeing in the culture and fabric of the school.

"This achievement demonstrates how the Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes are enabling Public Health Wales to work in equal partnership with schools to improve the future health and wellbeing of our children. By combining our efforts and assets in a purposeful way, we can create a healthier, happier and fairer Wales."