SCHOOLS in Worcestershire are ready for the next stage of an initiative aimed at teaching children to be active and healthy.

Preparations to be introduced to the new healthy school enhancement model are under way after the local programme announced success in supporting 80 per cent of county schools to achieve Healthy Schools status – six months ahead of the national target.

Schools will begin work to achieve the next stage of the flagship government scheme from Wednesday, November 11.

Councillor Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for young people, said: “Healthy Schools is an initiative which can have an impact on all schoolchildren of all ages.

Hunger and inappropriate nutrition affects concentration, behaviour and the ability to get the most out of the school day.

“Our 80 per cent achievement is excellent but here in Worcestershire we want to go that one step further. The enhanced programme, which looks at health in its widest sense, has the potential to impact the future lifestyles of our young people and make an impact both in school and at home.”

The healthy school enhancement model offers extra support to enable schools to identify and help those children particularly in need of support, for example in situations such as bullying, teenage pregnancy or drugs.

It is also able to provide extra support for the more vulnerable children, for example those who are young carers or who have mental health needs.