Why does Ashgate Primary School focus on increasing active participation?

Today nearly a third of children aged 2 to 15 are overweight or obese and younger generations are becoming obese at earlier ages and staying obese for longer. Reducing obesity levels will save lives as obesity doubles the risk of dying prematurely. Obese adults are seven times more likely to become a type 2 diabetic than adults of a healthy weight which may cause blindness or limb amputation. And not only are obese people more likely to get physical health conditions like heart disease, they are also more likely to be living with conditions like depression.

The economic costs are great, too. The UK spends more each year on the treatment of obesity and diabetes than we do on the police, fire service and judicial system combined. It was estimated that the NHS in England spent £5.1 billion on overweight and obesity-related ill-health in 2014/15.

At Ashgate, we employ a range of strategies to support families and their children in tackling obesity including healthy lunchtimes and snacks (see below) and an active school day.

Healthy Snack Provision - Break time and Lunches

Lunch

At Ashgate Primary School we recognise that parents have the right to select and choose appropriate meals for their children.   We do however request that parents provide a healthy lunch if children do not have school dinners.  We respectfully request that parents avoid sweets and chocolates, and in particular fizzy soda drinks.  Whilst food will not be taken from children, parents should expect that school will inform them if it is felt that the lunchbox content is not suitable; we will then work with you to find an approach to enable a more healthy snack content.

We encourage parents to provide a 'five a day' approach to lunch provision and include fruit, vegetables and non sweet products.  More information on 'five a day' and suggestions to support a healthy lunch can be found at the bottom of this page.

Break

Break time snacks are offered by the school at a small cost.  Whilst these snacks may include pre packaged goods, such as plain biscuits and cereal bars, they do not include crisps, chocolate, sweets of fizzy drinks.

High profile actions to raise awareness and fund initiatives.

Fund raising for a range of initiatives has been undertaken by the school including a revamped Summer Fair Programme and a fund raising cycle ride by Mr Seargent from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Money raised has been used to provide equipment for activities, to fund disadvantaged families participation in non curricular activities (priority given to residential outdoor and adventurous activities and improved playground infastructure).  Approximately £4000 has been raised to date.