Farsley Westroyd Primary School and Nursery’s commitment to children’s physical and emotional health has been recognised.
This school has been awarded the National Healthy Schools Standard, which recognises the school’s strong, embedded, and ongoing commitment to physical health and emotional wellbeing.
The report states: “The staff at this school work diligently to meet the varied needs of all pupils.”
This award is the culmination of a whole-school audit over the last two years, focusing upon the school’s Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum, as well as the strategies used to promote emotional health and wellbeing, physical activity and healthy eating.
Headteacher Jenny Pashley said: “I have had a long career working in education and it is a fact that if a child is struggling with anxiety, if a child is unhappy, or struggling with relationships, they will not be able to perform at their best.
“So, for us, teaching our children about – and how to respond to and manage – their own and others’ social, emotional and mental health is a priority.
“At Farsley Westroyd, I often think we are a bit like Mary Poppins’ bag, in that we have a huge virtual bag and we delve deep into it to find the right strategies to support our children – and anything is possible!
“By prioritising emotional health, we aren’t taking time away from learning – we’re building the foundation for it and preparing our children for life.”
The school’s warm, caring and welcoming environment was highlighted in the report, with all interactions described as positive, nurturing and respectful. The report states: “Each visit feels genuinely welcoming, and staff consistently make an effort to ensure a positive and supportive experience and treat every child as an individual.”
Miss Martin, the school’s trained Mental Health Lead who coordinates PSHE across the school, said: “This is our school; it is what we do here, every day and it works. Our children are fun, cheerful, self-assured, well-behaved, polite, focused on their learning and show a strong understanding of health and wellbeing.”
Jenny Pashley added: “While the Healthy Schools Standard is a major milestone, Farsley Westroyd views it as a starting point rather than a finish line.
“We already have this year’s ‘Healthy Happy Week’ planned for July, working with FC Farsley, alongside extensive plans to extend our vegetable patches! Right now, though, we are feeling very proud and enjoying the moment.”
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