Issue - meetings

(a)       That the progress made to date on the Healthy Schools and Pre-Schools Schemes be noted and schools be congratulated on the work done to date; and

(b)       That Members support schools and pre-schools to actively engage in all phases of the schemes.

The Learning Advisor, Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding, introduced a report to provide an update on the service and how schools were meeting Welsh Government (WG) targets.  She provided background information and reported on the Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes (WNHSS) and the Healthy & Sustainable Pre Schools Scheme (HSPSS) as detailed in the report.  The Learning Advisor also reported on the School Health Research Network (SHRN) and the School Holiday Enrichment Programme (SHEP).  The Healthy Schools and Pre-Schools Work Programme April 2017 – March 2018 was appended to the report.

Councillor Kevin Hughes commented on the reduced funding available for schools and the potential impact on health and wellbeing for children and young people.  The Learning Advisor commented that a lack of funding in Primary schools might limit the number of activities and external expertise that schools may wish to engage with.  In response to the further comments from Councillor Hughes concerning the importance of good oral health and diet in young children the Learning Advisor explained that oral health was included in the nutritional criteria.

Councillor Paul Cunningham said all schools in Flintshire were to be congratulated on their achievements to promote Healthy Schools.  The Cabinet Member for Education suggested that all Members and co-opted Members of the Education & Youth OSC be invited to the Healthy Schools Presentation Event.  The Learning Advisor agreed to invite the Committee once a date had been set.

During discussion the Learning Advisor provided further information on the progress of secondary schools through the Healthy Schools Scheme. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the progress made to date on the Healthy Schools and Pre-Schools Schemes be noted and schools be congratulated on the work done to date; and

(b)       That Members support schools and pre-schools to actively engage in all phases of the schemes.