The innovative approaches taken by the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School to improve the health and wellbeing of its pupils were recognised with a visit from London’s deputy mayor last week.

Joanne McCartney, deputy mayor for education and childcare, saw first-hand the work the school has done to achieve the Mayor’s Healthy Schools London bronze and silver award status.
One of the approaches demonstrated were ‘thinking cards’, which the school has developed to help young people identify their positive and negative thought patterns. By working together to explore these patterns it encourages young people to talk about mental health and help improve their mental wellbeing.

Joanne McCartney, deputy mayor for education and childcare, said: “It’s vital that children learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle – so that healthy living becomes a habit, rather than a chore. The Royal Free Hospital Children’s School is doing just that – learning about the importance of a healthy diet and ensuring all pupils understand the importance of good mental health and wellbeing.

“The staff and students at the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School should be proud of their success – well done to everyone involved. I hope this inspires more of London’s schools to sign up to Healthy Schools London.”

School head teacher, Alex Yates, said: “We’re delighted that the deputy mayor had the chance to see how our pupils are building healthy lifestyles into their day-to-day lives. We’re seeing how this support is giving young people the tools to rise to the challenges that they face.”

The Royal Free Hospital Children’s Hospital School accommodates 42 pupils who are inpatients or day patients at the hospital or are patients within the Royal Free Intensive Eating Disorder Service. There are also a limited number of places on the GCSE day school programme.  

Picture caption: Drew, Mistral (pet therapy dog) and Joanne McCartney (deputy mayor for education and childcare)