Over 93% of schools in Surrey are taking part in the National Healthy Schools Programme and 65% have achieved National Healthy Schools Status. The Healthy Schools Programme is a joint project between Education and Health services across the country. In recognition of their commitment to supporting the physical and emotional health of their children and young people, the Surrey Healthy Schools team will be launching the new Healthy Schools Plus - Enhanced Status and promoting partnership working across the county at a conference on 17 July 2008 at Surrey University.

Healthy Schools Plus – Enhanced Status has been developed by the Surrey Healthy Schools team to further support the National Healthy Schools Programme as well as a whole-school approach to the Every Child Matters agenda. Having achieved NHSS, many schools are looking for ways to further embed the Healthy Schools ethos. This enhanced status is an award scheme – exclusive to Surrey - for any Healthy School that would like to broaden and deepen work into one or more of the Healthy Schools criteria.

Healthy Schools Plus - Enhanced Status supports schools in ensuring that:

* they are meeting whole school community needs
* activities/projects undertaken in school are streamlined by having common goals, clear objectives and milestones, and identified needs
* the Every Child Matters agenda is a priority
* their re-application for National Healthy Schools Status after the initial 3-year period is enhanced.

The conference also includes
* DCSF representatives from the National and Regional Healthy Schools Programme
* Free resources and materials
* Workshops on anti-bullying, drug education, physical activity, SEAL, and Extended Services
* PSHE for secondary schools
* Exhibition stands from health and education partnerships

To find out more
To find out more about how to register for Healthy Schools Plus - Enhanced Status, see www.surreyhealthyschools.co.uk or contact Vivian Stacey on 0800 0734444 x.834321 or vivian.stacey@vtplc.com.

To attend the conference, please see www.vtfours.co.uk/courses