Focus on healthy bodies and minds for Highland pupils

The Executive Chief Officer for Education and Learning updated the Council’s Education Committee on Highland’s return to school, including the continued focus on improving the physical and mental wellbeing of all pupils.

Nicky Grant, ECO for Education and Learning said: “During the summer we undertook the Summer of Hope programme within Highland at which over 1400 targeted young people attended sessions and we created over 23 voluntary youth jobs. We will continue to promote the benefits of daily outdoor activity across our curriculum, including The Daily Mile and daily exercise which over 60% of our schools have signed up to. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.” 

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The physical and mental wellbeing of our pupils remains a top priority. Our pupils and staff have demonstrated their resilience since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic; however, we must make sure that support is available to anyone who needs it. We will continue to work closely with schools to continue to encourage and improve the health of all those who attend our schools while also learning from the many positive initiatives that already take place in so many of our educational settings across Highland”.

Ms Grant added: “Wellbeing is at the heart of curriculum developments and initiatives. We also have a duty of care to ensure that all of our staff, including our support staff, have a supportive programme of opportunities to continue to learn and grow and as such the directorate will have a focus on leadership at all levels”.