Blackpool’s Park Community Academy boosts students wellbeing

A commitment to working towards signing a ‘Pledge for a Healthy and Active Future’ (PHAF) is already showing positive wellbeing benefits for students at Blackpool’s Park Community Academy.

Before signing the PHAF, commitments are made by the school to promote and encourage healthier lifestyles among students, families and staff.

Initiatives that have been adopted by Park Community Academy focus on reducing sugar, improving access to healthy foods, encouraging healthier eating habits and promoting physical activity to support overall wellbeing.

The initial concept behind the PHAF was developed after consideration was given to how local authorities could engage with schools in the Local Authority Declaration on Healthy Weight which is a council’s own commitment to promote the health and wellbeing of the local population – and which Blackpool Council signed in 2022.

Food Active and the Health and Wellbeing Service at Leeds City Council set out to develop a schools-version of the Declaration, initially co-developing a range of commitments that could be adopted by both primary and secondary schools.

Park Community Academy has been enthusiastic and active in delivering their commitments introducing a wide range of initiatives including:

·       Encouraging students to bring healthy packed lunches and snacks with new recipe ideas provided in a weekly newsletter

·       Providing nutritious meal options in the school canteen, with reduced sugar and processed foods, as well as promoting water consumption

·       Funding secured to rebuild a polytunnel allowing pupils to grow their own vegetables and using them in cooking activities

·       Sixth form students have completed a National college qualification in Food safety and Hygiene

·       Working closely with Blackpool FC Community Trust and Active Blackpool running workshops

·       Holding assemblies about healthy eating and exercise and encouraging physical activities at lunchtime clubs and active break times

·       Building a new sports hall which will have a huge impact on Physical Education Schools Sport Physical Activity (PESSPA)

·       Reducing the amount of cake sales and opting for sponsored activities such as a Santa dash.

Gill Hughes, Head Teacher at Park Community Academy, said: “We decided to work towards the Pledge for a Healthy & Active Future to encourage healthier lifestyles among students, families and staff.

“By promoting balanced diets and better food choices, we aim to improve concentration, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.  In addition, educating students on nutrition helps them to develop lifelong healthy habits.

“Since implementing a range of initiatives there have been so many noticeable positive improvements. These range from improved concentration in lessons, more students choosing healthier meal options and bringing nutritious snacks, an increased uptake in after school clubs offering activities, alongside a generally more positive attitude towards making healthy choices both in school and at home.”

Cllr Jo Farrell, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, commented: “Park Community Academy is a shining example of showing real commitment to creating a culture and environment that helps people by generating interest in eating healthier and getting more involved in physical activities.

‘’This is great work and it’s fantastic to know that there have been so many positive outcomes delivered to improve people’s wellbeing now and in the future.”