Deputy Mayor Visit
The innovative approaches taken by the Royal Free Hospital Children’s school to improve the health and wellbeing of its pupils were recognised with a visit from London’s deputy mayor last week.
Joanne McCartney, deputy mayor for education and childcare, saw first-hand the work the school has done to achieve the Mayor’s Healthy Schools London bronze and silver award status.
One of the approaches demonstrated were a range of challenge thinking cards. These cards have been developed to help young people identify their positive and negative thought patterns. By working together to explore these patters it also helps young people to talk about mental health.
Joanne McCartney, deputy mayor for Education and Childcare, said: “It’s vital that children learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle – so that healthy living becomes a habit, rather than a chore. The Royal Free Hospital Children’s School is doing just that – learning about the importance of a healthy diet and ensuring all pupils understand the importance of good mental health and wellbeing.
“The staff and students at the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School should be proud of their success – well done to everyone involved. I hope this inspires more of London’s schools to sign up to Healthy Schools London.”
School head teacher, Alex Yates, said: “We’re delighted that the deputy mayor had the chance to see how our pupils are building healthy lifestyles into their day-to-day lives. We’re seeing how this support is giving young people the tools to rise to the challenges that they face.”