Markham Primary School has become the first school in Caerphilly to achieve the Welsh Network of Healthy Schools Scheme National Quality Award.
It is one of only 18 schools throughout Wales to achieve the award.
The school’s assessor said it had a wonderful ethos and the headteacher had passion for developing the health and wellbeing of all members of the school and local community.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, cabinet member for education congratulated the school. She said: “To receive this award is a great commendation to the team at Markham Primary. This award along with the positive changes seen by the community shows their head work and dedication is achieving outstanding results.”
Headteacher Gill Crandon was thrilled to achieve this award.
She said: “As a team we work really well together to make the school the heart of the community, and I feel that this award certainly reflects this.”
The healthy schools scheme aims to tackle all areas of health and wellbeing. This includes food and fitness, mental and emotional health, environmental issues, global citizenship, personal development, safety and hygiene. It also encourages pupil participation in all aspects of school life. In order to achieve the National Quality Award, a school must demonstrate excellence in all of these areas.
Markham Primary School has been involved in the scheme for nine years, during which staff, governors, pupils and parents have seen many positive changes to children’s behaviour and lifestyle patterns.