New Deputy Mayor Roger Evans visits north east London schools

The new Deputy Mayor for London Roger Evans is to visit two schools in north east London to find out more about what they are doing as part of the Healthy Schools London programme. Healthy Schools London is the awards scheme set up and funded by the Mayor of London, which supports and recognises school achievements in pupil health and wellbeing. Since 2013 1469 schools across the capital (63 per cent) have registered for the scheme, which has three levels of award, Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Deputy Mayor will make a morning visit (10:30am-12:45pm) to Whitefield Schools and Centre (Special Schools) in Walthamstow, which has just been awarded silver status after first achieving bronze last October. The school, which has been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, has an active School Council, an allotment, a wide-ranging PE curriculum and an emphasis on support of families and planning for students lifelong outcomes, which helped it achieve bronze status. The school focused on relationships and sex education and developing a stimulating and structured play environment in its push for silver. In the afternoon (1:15pm-3pm), the Deputy Mayor will visit Churchfields Infant School in South Woodford, which is also rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted. He will have the opportunity to see pupils take part in a 'Big Dance', inspired by the biennial event organised by City Hall. He will see the school's allotment and be shown what the school is doing to promote healthy eating, including cookery. Other activities being presented include PE and philosophy. Having achieved bronze status, the school is working hard towards silver and then gold. Deputy Mayor for London Roger Evans said: 'I am looking forward to meeting the pupils and seeing what their schools are doing to support and improve health and well-being. Healthy Schools London is an important initiative which has already been adopted by more than 60 per cent of schools across the capital. This commitment is going to have an important role in ensuring a healthier and happier city in the longer term.' Cllr Ahsan Khan, Waltham Forest Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: 'We’re committed to doing all we can to give our young people the best start in life – and through the Healthy Schools London programme they are learning how to eat well, remain fit and active and lead healthy lifestyles as they get older. We currently have 51 schools signed up to the programme, and would encourage those who have not to find out how it could benefit their pupils.' Schools from across the capital are set to converge on City Hall on Thursday 4 June, for special Healthy Schools London event celebrating and showcasing the achievements of schools, which are working in every borough to support London pupils' health and wellbeing. More details will be announced shortly. ENDS Notes to editors Healthy Schools London is an awards scheme set up and funded by the Mayor of London, which supports and recognises school achievements in pupil health and wellbeing. Healthy Schools London (HSL) focuses on the whole child and gives schools a framework for their activity with pupils, staff and the wider community. HSL promotes a whole school approach across five themes: • Healthy Eating • Physical Activity • Emotional Health & Wellbeing • Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) • Environment There are three levels of award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. 1456 (62 per cent) London schools have registered for the scheme. Of these, 616 schools have already achieved a Bronze Award, 140 have achieved a Silver Award and seven Gold. www.healthyschoolslondon.org.uk