Schools, early years settings and colleges from across B&NES celebrated their work to address health and well-being at the annual Director of Public Health Awards last week.
Staff and pupils from 8 schools attended the celebration event organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council at the Hilton Hotel in Bath.
Over the past year, 18 schools have achieved certificates recognising the work they have done to improve the physical and mental health and well-being of children of all ages.
Projects have included work to tackle bullying, increase walking and cycling to school, enhance confidence and self -esteem and even encourage better teeth-brushing.
Bruce Laurence, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are very proud of the achievements of our schools and impressed by the way they consistently develop activities to support the children’s health and wellbeing, encouraging healthier behaviours that will impact on the rest of their lives.
“The imagination and enthusiasm that staff and children put into this work is immense, and I would particularly point out that child-minders, early years settings and further education colleges are also involved in this work.”
The afternoon also included presentation of prizes to the winners of the B&NES Young Chef and Junior chef competitions.
The winner of Young Chef was Madeleine Shore from Norton Hill School, and the runner-up Ben Millett from Beechen Cliff.
The winner of the junior chef competition was Theo Coles from St John’s Primary, Midsomer Norton, and the runner up was Josh Vear from Stanton Drew Primary School.
The Junior Chef Competition was help on Tuesday 24th March, at St John’s School in Midsomer Norton and the Young Chef Competition was held on Wednesday 18th March, at the City of Bath College, in the Catering and Hospitality Department.
Bruce added: “These young chefs have reached incredibly high standards, but it is really important that every young person should learn at least a simple range of cooking skills.
“If you cannot cook meals for yourself and your family from basic ingredients, it is almost impossible to eat a healthy diet through life.”
Music for the afternoon was provided by students at the City of Bath College.
An evening event followed, when schools were joined by early years settings and colleges to receive their certificates.