Sheffield school leads the field in healthy lifestyles

The Sheffield school has been recognised officially for its good practice in physical education and sport.

As the only Infant School in the county to be named a Centre of Excellence by South Yorkshire Sport, Waterthorpe will receive £4,000 of funding to share expertise with other schools from around the county in the form of workshops.

More than 20 schools applied for the accreditation. Waterthorpe, however, stood out because of its ongoing success in addressing health issues, developing initiatives to combat obesity, and encouraging children to maintain healthy lifestyles with support from the Points Learning Network.

Physical activity has been embedded in to whole school life and children enjoy being active and feeling fit.

Waterthorpe’s headteacher, Helen Stokes, said: “Opportunities for young children to take part in a wide range of physical activities and sports are really important.

“These are key to safe and healthy personal development and help to set the foundations for an active and interesting adult life.

“In their time with us we work hard to ensure children participate in games; learn to ride bikes and scooters safely; learn to swim; to dance creatively; and to take part in competitions and to perform.”

She continued: “It is wonderful to see their excited faces as they learn a new skill or celebrate an achievement with their friends.”

Nigel Harrison, CEO of South Yorkshire Sport said: “I congratulate Waterthorpe Nursery Infant School.

“We strongly believe that school-to-school support is the best way to achieve improvement in physical education in south Yorkshire.”