We teach students about the importance and benefits of healthy habits as part of our Personal, Social, Health and Economic syllabus, and promote physical activity, a balanced diet and self-care activities throughout the curriculum and school life.
Healthy eating
We value the importance of meal times. We are committed to provide a healthy and nutritious meal for every child alongside the experience of eating meals in a small group alongside adults. We have an onsite kitchen where all our meals are cooked fresh each day.
Pupils learn table manners, how to hold cutlery properly, how to lay a table and have opportunity to experience discussion and dialogue over dinner with support from staff. We place great importance on all our pupils learning these important social skills and therefore this is a part of the school day which is planned for and shared with teachers and other adults.
We also run a breakfast club where children can get involved in a range of activities and receive a nutritionally balanced meal.
Pupils may not eat chocolate, sweets, fizzy drinks or other ‘fast food’ in school. Anyone who wishes to bring a snack of fruit or raw vegetables may do so. The children in Reception class and years 1 and 2 will be provided with a piece of fruit as a part of their daily routine.
Mild dehydration is one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue. The pupils can access fresh drinking water in school at any time.
Mental health
We have a whole school approach to mental health of our community: children, staff, parents and carers. Our ethos is supportive, caring and respectful. Staff work cooperatively to deepen their understanding of mental health and reduce the stigma related to acknowledging mental health issues.
Little Ridge recognises that good mental health is a vital factor in overall pupil wellbeing and how it can affect their learning, achievement and self-worth. As a school we celebrate and acknowledge positive mental health and its place in the curriculum. Our school encourages pupils to be open and supports children to have their voice heard. Celebrating success and a positive mental state through assemblies and rewards is an integral part of school life.
Physical activity
The aim of the fitness programme is to ensure that pupils receive regular exercise activity. Lessons are designed to raise the heart rate and improve overall fitness, stamina and flexibility. The school prioritises sport, fitness and health in all PE lessons. Units across the year and across the school develop the following:
- Flexibility exercise. Children become more agile when they are able to stretch and move their bodies in a full range of motion. Encouraging children to begin stretching in childhood can help them maintain limber physiques throughout life.
- Strength and stamina. Strength exercises can help children build healthy muscles. With an appropriately organised programme, children can advance their strength and stamina. Due to the age of pupils and risk of injury during growth spurts no weights will be used during strength classes; most workouts will focus on non-resistance training and developing stamina.
- Aerobic exercise. Cardiovascular training is an important component of children’s fitness, keeping their heart and lungs strong.
- Circuit training. Children can apply their strength and stamina, and develop greater levels of fitness through circuit training. Circuit training combines aerobic exercise, strength, stamina and flexibility.