London’s Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, today visited Hackbridge Primary School in Wallington, Sutton, to mark the school’s excellent work to achieve the Mayor’s Healthy Schools London Gold Award status.
Hackbridge Primary School has gained the Healthy Schools London Gold Award in recognition of their work to increase the physical activity and support the mental health of their pupils.
The Deputy Mayor saw first-hand the impact this work is having as she observed a PE lesson, pupils taking part in the Daily Mile and a mindfulness group. This school has previously achieved Healthy Schools London Bronze and Silver Awards. Hackbridge Primary School obtained their Gold Award in July 2018.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is supporting schools to create healthier environments for their pupils. His Healthy Schools London programme gives Bronze, Silver and Gold awards to schools that encourage children to learn about their health and develop their motivation to make healthy choices. The Mayor is also a strong supporter of the Daily Mile – a campaign that encourages all schools to get their pupils moving every day to improve their overall fitness and wellbeing.
Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, said: “It’s hugely important that children of all ages are given the tools they need to look after their physical and mental wellbeing.
“By helping pupils to be active in PE sessions and through the Daily Mile, and by encouraging mindfulness from a young age, our Healthy Schools London programme empowers children and their parents, guardians and teachers to make healthy choices every day.
“The staff and students at Hackbridge Primary School should be very proud of their hard work in achieving the Gold Award. I hope their success inspires more schools to sign up to Healthy Schools London.”
Notes to editors
Healthy Schools London is a programme that supports London’s schools to provide an environment and culture that helps their pupils grow up to be healthy happy and learn. An award scheme sponsored by the Mayor of London, the programme recognises and celebrates schools that are making a difference for their pupils. The Healthy Schools London programme supports schools as they work towards these awards, with a network of local coordinators, and a range of resources, tools and advice provided through this website and regular workshops for schools.
Healthy Schools Progress in Sutton
• 54 schools have registered with Healthy Schools London (HSL)
• 35 schools have achieved the HSL Bronze award
• 10 schools have achieved the HSL Silver award
• 4 schools have achieved the HSL Gold award