Please read our lovely feedback from the Newcastle Team…
Archibald First School has retained Newcastle Healthy School Status for a further 2 years. Congratulations!
The team could see that that a lot of hard work has gone into undertaking the Healthy School Improvement Audit with some excellent and exemplar practice displayed particularly in relation to emotional health and wellbeing. This is a clear strength with a strategically embedded approach taken to support the needs of all pupils, particularly the most vulnerable. The appointment of a mental health lead and your family support officer further highlight how the school has at its core, mental health and emotional wellbeing. The intention to develop a robust action plan for mental health and emotional wellbeing are welcome. The ‘show me five’ initiative is an excellent example of ensuring pupils know where they can get support from a trusted adult. It is also pleasing to note that supporting staff wellbeing is included in the strategic approach to addressing mental health and wellbeing.
Archibald has in place an embedded inclusive whole school health-promoting approach and ethos, with a well-coordinated, developed, monitored and assessed PSHE programme, which is clearly thriving and an exemplar of practice. The whole school approach to its ongoing development and improvement through regular staff time afforded to it and CPD, clearly demonstrates your commitment to this area. The use of the ‘ No Outsiders’ programme helps to demonstrate the inclusivity of the school. It will be interesting to learn more about its impact on pupils.
Physical activity provision is also thriving with a range of opportunities provided for pupils to enjoy and increase their activity levels; particularly important given the negative impact of Covid on pupil weight. The intention to embed the Change4Life club again, will also assist in targeting those who are least active, to increase their activity levels, and is welcome. Your focus on sustainability and the environment is to be commended. The action taken to improve air quality and pupil and community engagement in this is an exemplar and one from which other schools can benefit from your learning
Overall the audit recognises your strengths but also clearly outlines how you will further develop your health-promoting practice.
