FELSTED Preparatory School has found the key to getting children to eat healthy and, in the process, has become one of the first schools in country to be awarded National Healthy School Status. As January s New Year resolutions fade Felsted show no sign

FELSTED Preparatory School has found the key to getting children to eat healthy and, in the process, has become one of the first schools in country to be awarded 'National Healthy School Status.'

As January's New Year resolutions fade Felsted show no signs of reverting back to old habits as they continue to encourage children to take responsibility for their

own well-being.

Headteacher Jenny Burrett revealed that the secret to the schools success is not to just pay close attention to food and drink but to also address the entire care of an individual child, in and out of the classroom.

She said: "We feel it is our moral duty as a school to inform and educate pupils in every way, including food choices and values, to make them aware of the pitfalls and enable them to take responsibility for themselves."

The school has instigated several key strategies to ensure children stay healthy, including a universal policy of encouraging pupils to drink water by giving out water bottles and installing water fountains.

Mrs Burrett has also started a series of themed weeks to bring personal health into focus, she said: "We have health week, green week, and breakfast week to keep the enthusiasm of the children going, we have also introduced a number of food-related songs."

The challenge of preparing healthy foods that the children want to eat is rested firmly on the shoulders of catering manager Daphne Murdoch.

She said: "It is challenging for the catering side to think beyond the core business of feeding children on time and to budget.

"But it is worth it. We know that if the children eat well it will be reflected in their well being and education."

l SIXTH-formers have also benefited from the school's high standards not only in food

but education.

Seven pupils have been offered places at Oxford or Cambridge having worked extremely hard to be predicted top results in either the International Baccalaureate or A-Levels.

Toby Hughes, head of geography and teacher in charge of Oxbridge entry said: "I am

so thrilled for our students,

they have worked extremely hard and conscientiously to achieve these offers. Entry is exceptionally competitive not to mention demanding. I am very proud indeed!