Healthy moves net awards for schools; Introducing water fountains helped win accreditation.

Byline: DAYLE CRUTCHLOW

PUPILS in the Nuneaton area have received awards for their work on improving the health of their school community.

Herbert Fowler Junior School, in Arley, has received a silver award and Alderman Smith School, in Nuneaton, has received a bronze award, after being accredited with health promoting school status.

They were presented with their certificates by Annie Othen, from BBC WM, at an awards ceremony at Shire Hall.

The Warwickshire Health Promoting School Scheme is a local initiative, accredited by the National Healthy School Standard and promoted by the Department of Health and Department for Education and Employment.

Examples of tasks undertaken by the schools to achieve the accreditation were improving the school toilets, setting up a school council, introducing water fountains, developing the role of teaching assistants, reviewing drug education provision and developing education about sex and relationships.

Mindy Chillery, manager of the county Health Promoting School Scheme, said: "We are delighted with the progress these schools have made.

"What is most rewarding is seeing how the young people and others in the school community have really got involved and made a difference in their school."

A silver award has also been given to High Meadow Infant School, in Coleshill, north Warwickshire.

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PRESENTING AWARDS: Annie Othen