Supporting Healthy, Happy and Safe Learners

At Cann Bridge School, we believe that good health and wellbeing are fundamental to enabling every pupil to learn, develop and thrive. We are committed to creating a school environment that supports healthy lifestyles, positive wellbeing, and safe choices for all members of our community.

As part of this commitment, we are currently working towards achieving Healthy Schools Award Status. The Healthy Schools programme recognises schools that actively promote the physical, emotional, social and mental wellbeing of their pupils through a whole-school approach.

Our aim is to ensure that healthy living is embedded throughout school life – from the food pupils eat, to the opportunities they have for physical activity, emotional regulation, personal development and wellbeing support.

What is a Healthy School?

A Healthy School is one that:

  • Promotes healthy eating and nutrition
  • Encourages physical activity and active lifestyles
  • Supports positive mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Creates a safe and inclusive environment for all pupils
  • Works closely with families to develop lifelong healthy habits
  • Ensures health and wellbeing are considered across the curriculum and wider school experiences

For our pupils, developing healthy routines and positive relationships with food is an important part of preparing for adulthood and living as independently as possible.

Healthy Eating at Cann Bridge School

We work closely with our catering provider and school staff to encourage healthy, balanced eating throughout the school day. Through breakfast provision, snack times, lunchtimes and curriculum activities, pupils are supported to develop confidence around food, explore new tastes and textures, and learn about making healthy choices.

We recognise that many of our pupils have individual dietary requirements, allergies, sensory differences and medical needs. Our approach to food is therefore carefully planned to ensure it is safe, inclusive and supportive of each child's needs.

Healthy Lunchboxes

We encourage families to provide healthy, balanced lunchboxes wherever possible.

We fully understand that some pupils may have restricted diets, sensory preferences or specific dietary requirements, and we will always work in partnership with families to support these needs. However, where appropriate, we encourage a varied diet and opportunities for pupils to experience different foods, helping them build confidence and broaden their food choices over time.

For pupils eligible for Free School Meals who are not yet ready to access a school dinner, we can offer taster plates to help gradually build familiarity, confidence and positive experiences with the school menu.

Celebrating Birthdays

Birthdays are important occasions and we love helping pupils celebrate their special day.

Each birthday is recognised in school, with pupils enjoying:

  • Special recognition from staff and classmates
  • A special seat at snack time
  • A birthday celebration in assembly where we sing and sign Happy Birthday together

These celebrations ensure every pupil feels valued and included.

To support our Healthy Schools approach and ensure the safety of all pupils, we do not accept cakes, sweets or other edible birthday treats to share in school.

This approach helps us:

  • Manage allergies and dietary requirements safely
  • Support pupils with medical and sensory needs
  • Monitor food consumed during the school day
  • Promote healthy eating habits
  • Ensure celebrations are inclusive for all children

Families wishing to mark a birthday are encouraged to consider non-food alternatives such as:

  • Stickers
  • Small sensory or fidget toys
  • Colouring sheets and activity packs
  • Story books for the class library
  • Classroom sensory resources

These often provide lasting enjoyment while ensuring every child can participate safely.

Nut-Aware School

Cann Bridge School is a nut-aware school.

To help protect pupils with nut allergies, we ask that families do not send products containing nuts into school, including:

  • Whole nuts
  • Foods containing nut ingredients
  • Nut-based spreads

We greatly appreciate the support of our school community in helping to reduce risks and keep all pupils safe.

Working Together

Promoting healthy lifestyles is most successful when school and home work together. We value the support of parents and carers in helping pupils develop healthy routines, make positive choices and build habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Through our commitment to the Healthy Schools Award, we continue to strengthen our provision and ensure that Cann Bridge School remains a place where pupils can grow, learn and thrive in a safe, healthy and inclusive environment.