Posted on: Friday 22 September 2023
A primary school in Pontypool has become the latest to receive the Healthy Schools National Quality Award.
New Inn Primary School has become the fourth in Torfaen to achieve the award, alongside Maendy Primary, Nant Celyn Primary and Llanyrafon Primary, in Cwmbran.
This week, staff and pupils, including members of school’s Sports Ambassadors group, visited Torfaen Council’s Civic Centre to receive the award in front of Councillors.
Headteacher Kate Prendergast said: “Everyone at New Inn Primary is so proud to have successfully achieved this accolade, recognising the hard work of staff, pupils and the wider school community.
“We were able to demonstrate a wide range of innovative and unique activities and initiatives which have a positive impact on pupils and their families, helping to promote happy and healthy futures.
"Health and well-being play a crucial part in life at New Inn Primary, and I hope that our work will inspire others to deliver new and exciting activities for their own school communities.”
The Welsh Network of Healthy Schools recognised New Inn Primary School for its Sports Ambassadors programme, fitness and nutrition lessons, pupil representative groups and wellbeing areas.
It also acknowledged the school’s previous achievements including their Platinum Eco Award and UNICEF Silver Rights Award.
Torfaen Council’s Director of Education Andrew Powles said: “New Inn Primary should be immensely proud of achieving the National Quality Award in Healthy Schools.
“This is only given to schools that evidence sustained investment in the health and wellbeing of all members of the school community - pupils, parents and carers, staff and governors. This is an outstanding achievement.”
Councillor Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, added: “New Inn Primary School has successfully demonstrated meeting all the criteria of the NQA, mental and emotional health and wellbeing of children and staff, personal development and relationships, safety, hygiene, food and fitness, substance use and misuse, and environment.
“This award is recognition of the whole schools, resilience, determination and passion for the delivery of exceptional well-being and a well-rounded education for all of their pupils.”