By Mark Cullen, 30/9/25
In an inspiring move towards enhancing the health and wellbeing of students, AnnaMarie Ellis, our devoted Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour and Welfare, and also a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), has officially signed our school up for the 'School’s Pledge'. This initiative, developed by Food Active and brought to life through the Health Equalities Group, is all about forging a brighter, healthier future for our children.
With childhood obesity rates becoming alarming statistics in England—where around 1 in 3 children leave primary school being overweight or living with obesity—the call for action couldn't be clearer. It specifically rings true in areas like Cheshire and Merseyside, where these numbers can often exceed the national average. This underscores the urgent need for schools to come together, adopting effective strategies to tackle these pressing issues.
So, what exactly does the Schools Pledge entail? Essentially, it promotes a whole school approach that applies to not only the students but also staff, families, and the wider community. This is about creating an environment that inspires health and wellbeing through a genuine commitment to providing healthier food and drink choices, as well as increasing opportunities for physical activity.
The Pledge comes with a robust foundation built on 9 Core Commitments that guide schools in aligning their policies and practices effectively. These commitments take a proactive stance in increasing access to nutritious options in school and beyond, ensuring kids have the best resources available to support their healthy development. A key aspect of the Pledge is its emphasis on avoiding weight stigma. It promotes a body-positive culture that encourages healthy behaviours without labelling children based on their size. In doing so, we nurture an environment where every child feels respected and valued.
The adoption process is thoughtfully designed, typically spanning a period of 2–3 months. With the help of the Schools Pledge Support Pack—currently in its third edition—our school will receive essential guidance throughout this journey. This includes tailored support from the Food Active Schools Pledge Team, who will stay connected with our school for 12 months. They’ll help us navigate the initial setup and hold review meetings to ensure we're on track. The Action Planning and Tracking Tool, an editable Excel document, will also be a key feature to help us identify our strengths, strategise our commitments, and monitor our progress along the way.
An exciting financial incentive is in place too! Upon completing a review and being ready to embrace the Pledge, our school stands to receive a funding boost of £750. This will be allocated specifically to support the Pledge's core aim of creating a healthier school environment—talk about a win-win situation!
To truly spearhead this initiative, schools are encouraged to appoint a designated School Pledge Lead. This person acts as a champion within the school, taking on the important tasks of organising initiatives, promoting healthy behaviour, and liaising between various stakeholders. Their leadership plays a crucial role in embedding the ethos of the Pledge into our school culture.
With AnnaMarie Ellis at the helm, we are confident that our school will navigate this exciting journey towards better health with enthusiasm and commitment. The Pledge not only serves as a framework for change but as a reminder—we are all in this together. Creating a supportive culture for health is a collective responsibility and, by working together, we can ensure our children have every opportunity to thrive. Signing up for the School’s Pledge marks a significant step forward in our mission to foster healthier, happier lives for our students. With the right resources, support, and enthusiastic involvement from our entire school community, we are poised to make a real difference.
