Schools recognised for delivering nationally-acclaimed health and well-being programme

A ‘thank you’ celebration event for selected schools involved in the Shropshire’s Respect Yourself Eat Better, Move More, Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) programme was held at Shirehall on Thursday 21 May 2015.

Shropshire’s Respect Yourself Eat Better, Move More, RSE programme supports schools to deliver age-appropriate, up-to-date lessons to help pupils keep themselves healthy, happy and safe. The programme provides lesson plans, resources and works with parents and school staff so that they feel confident about how to address health issues in a positive and co-ordinated way.

The event follows the recent Pamela Sheridan Awards, where Shropshire Council’s public health team was a voted-for finalist for its curriculum work with local primary schools. The award for innovation recognizes pioneering approaches to relationships, sex and well-being education.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:

“Reaching the final this year confirms that Shropshire is continuing to provide the very best practice for our children and young people. We are leading the way nationally, and are building on our previous success when we won the award in 2012 for our Respect Yourself Relationship and Sex Education work for Years 6 to 11. It is especially pleasing to note that, since introducing the programme to schools in 2010, our teenage pregnancy conception rate has steadily declined; our under 16 rate is now the lowest in the West Midlands.”

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“We take our responsibility to safeguard our children seriously. Relationship and Sex Education is vital to ensure they are protected.”

Professor Rod Thomson, director for public health, said:

“This work contributes directly to corporate priorities and team objectives for safeguarding. It is part of our wider prevention strategy related to obesity, domestic abuse, and mental health and well-being.

Alice Cruttwell, public health curriculum adviser, added:

“It is estimated that over 75% of Shropshire primaries are delivering or planning to use the resources. The programme has been developed in consultation with schools; they have welcomed the support provided. Headteachers, governors, teaching and non-teaching staff have received training, and parents have been involved in meetings across the county.”

Laura Sheldon, Shropshire’s MYP and Young Health Champion, said:

“Our priority this year is emotional health and happiness: we are very proud to support this programme, as it helps children feel good about themselves and their bodies.”

Greg Smallbone, Headteacher at Whitchurch CE Infant and Nursery School, commented:

“We are proud and excited to have been involved in developing and piloting this programme; it provides guidance, lesson plans and resources on important health issues. We believe this complements our school ethos and philosophy to provide a broad and balanced curriculum. We believe it is of great benefit, and recommend it to all schools to support development and achievement.”

Helen Spreadborough, Headteacher at Clunbury CE Primary School, added:

“Being involved in the development of the programme has enhanced our school’s capacity to protect and promote the health and well-being of our children.”

The certificates of recognition were presented to the schools by Karen Bradshaw, director of children’s service, and Ann Hartley, Cabinet member.

For more information about the Pamela Sheridan award visit www.uksexualhealthawards.org.uk or follow @SHUKAwards on twitter.

To find out more about Shropshire’s Respect Yourself Eat Better, Move More, Relationship and Sex Education programme visit www.healthyshropshire.co.uk or click here.

The Pamela Sheridan award is part of the UK Sexual Health Awards, organized by charities Brook and the FPA (Family Planning Association).