Issue 11 Autumn Term 2018

1. Issue 11 Autumn Term 2018 Caerphilly Healthy Schools Newsletter Team Contact Details:Carin Quinn – quinnc@caerphilly.gov.ukAdam Thomas – thomaa13@caerphilly.gov.ukSue Evans – evanss18@caerphilly.gov.uk 01443 864863 @HS_Caerphilly

2. Foreword by Cllr Philippa Marsden – Cabinet member for Education I am always heartened to see the great work that the Healthy Schools initiative brings to our school communities with a myriad of activities and learning opportunities. Why should we care about the Healthy Schools initiative in school life? We are constantly exposed to media images of issues that young people face as they make their way through life. We owe it to our children to create an environment that looks after their health, striving for wellbeing and a healthy ethos to become the central vision for every school. If we grow up with a sound understanding of the benefits of good health, it will be beneficial not only for our children, but our children’s children. I would like to commend the Healthy Schools team for all that they do in securing a healthier future for our children and congratulate the Caerphilly schools that are involved in the scheme. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the children who take part so enthusiastically in Caerphilly.

3. Contents Page 4: National Quality Award Page 5: National Quality Award Schools Page 6: Local Phase 6 Awards Page 7: National Quality Award Celebration Event Page 8: Congratulations to … / Future PSE Event Page 9: Eating Disorder Workshop Page 10: Substance Misuse Update Page 11: Ty Isaf 360 award Page 12: Essential Digital Skills Workshop Page 13-14: E-bugs Hygiene Training News Page 15: Lewis School Pengam, Good Practice Page 16: School Flu Immunisation Dates Page 17: Service to Support Schools Page 18 FREE Mindfulness Session Page 19-21 : School Phases for Healthy Schools Page 22: Sharing Good Practice

4. National Quality Award Many congratulations to Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre, Cwmfelinfach Primary School, Hendre Infants School and Ysgol Ifor Bach for achieving the prestigious National Quality Award in 2018. Schools achieving the NQA are implementing wellbeing initiatives at the very highest level and all the criteria below must be evidenced in considerable detail. NQA Criteria • Food and Fitness (nutrition and physical activity); • Mental and Emotional Health and Wellbeing, including staff wellbeing; • Personal Development and Relationships, including sex and relationships education; • Substance Use and Misuse, including alcohol, smoking and drugs (legal, illegal, and prescription); • Environment, including eco-initiatives and improving the school and wider environment; • Safety, including a variety of topics such as child protection, sun safety, internet safety, and first aid; • Hygiene, including across school and non-school settings. The criteria are supported by a number of underlying principles, namely: • The importance of pupil participation in core areas of school life which directly affect the health and wellbeing of children and young people e.g. teaching and learning, environment, pastoral care; • The importance of the understanding and commitment to action of the whole school community; • The existence of a positive approach to health; • Equality; • Links to other relevant national and local programme and policies and Public Health Wales’ minimum standards in Food and Fitness, Substance Use and Misuse and Hygiene.

5. The Welsh Network Of Healthy Schools Scheme National Quality Award (NQA) The key indicator of a ‘healthy’ school is that the concept of health and wellbeing is truly embedded in the culture and ethos of the school. This is certainly the case with these schools who achieved the NQA in 2018. Below are photos of the four successful schools receiving their NQA awards: Cwmfelinfach Primary Hendre Infants Ysgol Ifor Bach Trinity Fields School

6. Local Phase 6 Award Congratulations to Llancaeach Junior and Waunfawr Primary Schools for achieving the Caerphilly Local Phase 6 Award. Local Phase 6 schools are encouraged to work towards a whole school approach to the seven Healthy Schools topic areas. However, unlike schools that are working towards NQA, a school working to Local Phase 6 may not achieve every indicator outlined in WNHSS criteria. Local Phase 6 schools will receive a certificate and a banner to display on the school premises. As with the NQA the school will be expected to maintain the standards at Local Phase 6 and will be re-assessed by the Caerphilly team every 2 years. Below are the schools receiving their awards: The School Council at Llancaeach Junior School receiving their banner with Healthy Schools co-ordinator Debra Embrey Members of the Eco-council and school co-ordinator Rhiannon Burgham celebrating Waunfawr’s Local Phase 6 Award

7. National Quality Award Celebration Event The Caerphilly Healthy Schools Team is delighted to be hosting a celebration event to showcase the four schools who have achieved the prestigious National Quality Award in 2018. A ‘Healthy School’ is one which takes responsibility for maintaining and promoting the health of all who ‘learn, work, play and live’ within it not only by formally teaching pupils about how to lead healthy lives but by enabling its pupils and staff to take control over aspects of the school environment which influence their health. It actively promotes, protects and embeds the physical, mental and social health and well being of its community through positive action, and these Caerphilly schools have demonstrated this to the highest level. During the afternoon, pupils and staff from the four successful schools will give a short presentation on why they are a healthy school, and will formally receive their NQA plaque to display in their school. There will also be guest speakers from both Public Health Wales and Education. Schools hoping to achieve the award in the next academic year are encouraged to attend the event to examine evidence portfolios and speak to staff from the successful schools. Date: 27th September 2018, 1:30 – 4:00pm Venue: Council Chamber, Ty Penallta If you would like to attend, please ‘phone a member of the Healthy Schools Team on (01443) 864863 or email: Carin Quinn – quinnc@caerphilly.gov.ukAdam Thomas – thomaa13@caerphilly.gov.ukSue Evans – evanss18@caerphilly.gov.uk

8. Congratulations to … Ysgol Penalltau – Phase 5, January 2018 Ysgol Bro Allta – Phase 5, March 2018 Innovate, Rhymney – Phase 2, April 2018 Upper Rhymney Primary – Phase 5, May 2018 Innovate, The Hangar – Phase 1, May 2018 If you would like us to present your plaque in a special assembly please get in touch. We would like to offer Pengam Primary School our very best wishes for their forthcoming National Quality Award accreditation on November 14th and 15th 2018: Future PSE Event: The Healthy Schools Team will be organising termly free PSE workshops for all secondary school co-ordinators. The first one will be on: Thursday 29th November, Ty Penallta, Tredomen Invitations will be distributed to schools in September. We aim to invite services to support schools with all aspects of pupil wellbeing as well as sharing resources and good practice. If you have any suggestions or ideas for the event please feel free to get in touch with the Healthy Schools Team.

9. Eating Disorder Workshop Eating Disorder Workshop In April 2018, the Caerphilly Healthy Schools team organised an Eating Disorder Workshop, entitled “Diet or Disorder” with Kath Whatley from the Specialist Eating Disorders Service within the Aneurin Bevan UHB. The training was offered to all secondary schools, school nurses and key council staff working with young people. The aims of the session were: • To understand what an eating disorder is and who can suffer; • To dispel some common myths and misconceptions; • To gain an understanding of behaviours associated with eating disorders; • To gain an understanding of policy and procedure regarding safeguarding; • To begin to understand how distress tolerance can help to support someone with an eating disorder. During the session delegates examined the different types of eating disorders, signs and symptoms, how eating disorders affect a persons health, the services available - including referral pathways - and ways to help young people cope with an eating disorder. Delegates were given a variety of resources to help support them in their work settings. For further information about this training please contact a member of the Healthy Schools Team.

10. Substance Misuse Update – ‘Real Life Experience’ Workshops for Pupils From the pupil consultations, conducted during the autumn term 2017, it was clear that pupils value the current delivery of substance misuse education within Caerphilly schools. However, students welcomed the opportunity to speak to someone with direct experience of the negative aspects of substance misuse. During the summer term 2018, the Caerphilly Healthy Schools Team were fortunate to secure the services of Ashley Davis, a former Caerphilly pupil who was prepared to share his experience of substance misuse. Workshops were trialled in the Bedwas cluster. All Year 6 pupils at Bedwas Junior, Graig Y Rhacca Primary, Machen Primary, Rhydri Primary and Tyn-Y-Wern Primary School and Year 7 and 8 pupils at Bedwas High School were involved and had the opportunity to listen to Ashley’s inspiring story. The workshops allowed Ashley to discuss past experiences dealing with negative peer pressure, using various illegal substances and the life threatening dangers of misusing drugs. Ashley was completely honest with pupils, allowing plenty of time for questions regarding peer pressure, taking illegal substances and how he copes with his disability. Ashley, being an ex British number one Paralympic table tennis player concluded each session by demonstrating his table tennis prowess. ‘Super inspiring and it was fascinating to hear about Ashley’s life story’ – Year 6 pupil from Rhydri Primary School ‘Helped to show how one bad decision can lead to many bad decisions’ – Year 8 pupil from Bedwas High School

11. Ty Isaf Infants – 360 Degree Safe Award Ty Isaf Infants have become the first school in the Caerphilly Borough to receive the prestigious 360 Degree Safety Award. To achieve the award, they had to ensure that the whole school had a cohesive approach to Online Safety. Clear guidance and policies in place, a strong leadership team overseeing all aspects of online safety, excellent data handling procedures and a curriculum that educates all year groups allowed the school to successfully gain the Online Safety Mark. The school utilises the Common Sense Media curriculum, which ensures that Online Safety is taught discreetly across all year groups. Pupils are taught to practise the skills of safe and discriminating online behaviour in accordance with their age and ability. Additionally, pupils have been heavily involved in designing their own Online Safety mascot ‘Ty Bot’, which has impacted on raising awareness with pupils and parents. ‘The digital leaders, given their age, were extremely knowledgeable with regards Online Safety and able to explain, in detail, how to stay safe online.’ The Online Safety Team is made up of school staff, SLT, pupils, parents and governors and it is their role to ensure that they create the best possible opportunities for online safety provision. The policy is embedded throughout the school and is easily accessible on the school’s website, along with a link to report any online safety issues. Online safety messages have been distributed to the school community through a variety of activities, workshops and assemblies. For additional information regarding the 360 Degree Safe Award, please visit; https://360safe.org.uk/Accreditation/Online-Safety-Mark

12. Essential Digital Skills, Digital Smarts & Digital Wellbeing Workshop The Caerphilly Healthy Schools Team invited Dr Sangeet Bhullar of WISE KIDS to run some training in May 2018. Sangeet has a wealth of knowledge regarding digital competency and was able to demonstrate that in the current climate, technology can be an extremely effective tool for young people in the digital age if used effectively to complement the existing school curriculum. ‘We live at a time of huge growth in new digital and online technologies, and almost constant connectivity to the Internet via devices like smart phones, tablets, game console, and laptops. The connected world today not only offers great opportunities for education, learning, socialising, business and entertainment, but it is also transforming how we do these things. We now have access to ‘anytime-anywhere’ rich multi-media content and content creation tools, ‘expert communities’, freely available social and collaborative platforms. These networked technologies can provide new ways of engaging, inspiring and supporting professionals, children and young people in their learning and development. However in order to reap these benefits, professionals need the opportunities to develop these digital skills and understanding.’ Delegates were shown how to understand the ‘digital spaces’ in which their pupils operate, and developed the knowledge to support them manage their personal data, interaction with peers, privacy, online reputation, as well as warning against exposure to unwanted interactions and inappropriate content. The workshop session included safe and responsible use to recognising online opportunity, and supported embracing children and young people as co-researchers and co-educators able solve real-life problems. Sangeet runs a range of training and bespoke packages and can be contacted on: (01633) 673339/ 07540707258 or sangeet@wisekids.org.uk

13. E-bugs Hygiene Training The Caerphilly Healthy Schools Team ran additional E-bugs hygiene training for staff and school council members during the spring term 2018. After an autumn pilot for the Idris Davies cluster of schools, the training was rolled out to the remainder of Caerphilly. The event targeted Y5 and Y7 school council members who took part in four workshops run by the School Nursing Service, Caerphilly Environmental Health Department, Torfaen Healthy Schools and, our very own, Caerphilly Healthy Schools Team. All participating schools received goodies and the opportunity to enter a school council competition showcasing how the E-bugs resource has improved their hygiene practices. We are grateful to Lewis School, Pengam, St Cenydd Community School and Islwyn High School for being so accommodating with their premises - despite two postponements due to snow! Special thanks to Alison Dally (Torfaen Healthy Schools), Maria Pinch and Vicky Lewis (Caerphilly Environmental Health) and Claire Morgan and Cara Behr (School Nursing Service) for generously giving their time to support with the workshops. The School Council at Ysgol Bro Workshops at the Islwyn High School Sannan teaching Y2 pupils about hygiene E-bugs training session Healthy Schools will be running an additional free E-bugs Hygiene training session: Date: Thursday 11th October 2018, 10 – 12:00pm Venue: The Rhymney Room, Ty Penallta Target group: 2 school council members (Y5 & Y7) and 1 member of staff, however, infant schools are welcome to bring Y2 pupils If you would like to book a place, please contact a member of the Healthy Schools Team.

14. E-bugs Hygiene Training

15. Sexual Health Day – Lewis School Pengam: On 21st March Lewis School, Pengam had their annual sexual health day for Year 9 pupils. The boys were in their mixed ability registration groups and completed a carousel of 5 different workshops on various topics of sexual health. This Year four different agencies were used which contributed to a very successful day in which over 150 pupils gained valuable life skills and knowledge. Lewis School, Pengam – Intergenerational Lunch Club For a number of years, Lewis School has running a highly successful lunch club for the over 50’s in the local area. The club runs every Wednesday and is extremely well attended. For a small fee, attendees receive an impressive home cooked, two course meal and pupils from Y9 are in attendance to help, chat to members and support the school’s catering team. The school is grateful to the local community council for financial their support and the healthy schools are impressed because this work is an effective demonstration of the community involvement element of the WNHSS NQA award.

16. School Flu Immunisation Dates:

17. Services to support: ‘Speak out, Stay safe’ programme: • The Speak out Stay safe programme gives a generation of children the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe from abuse and neglect. • Speak out Stay safe is offered at no cost to schools and teaches children aged 5-11 about safeguarding in a lively, interactive and memorable way. • The child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops help children: • understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs • know how to protect themselves. • Pupils are taught to speak out if they are worried, either to a trusted adult or to Childline. www.nspcc.org.uk/speakout Photography taken by Tom Hull. Want to get active travel on the agenda at your school but not sure where to start? Why not register for Sustrans School Mark Award [www.sustrans.org.uk/schoolmarkwales] which is FREE to schools in Wales? The Sustrans School Mark website will guide you through the key steps required to increase and sustain the number of pupils travelling to school actively. October is International Walk to School Month! Why not try a Walking Bus or encourage parents to Park & Stride. Also, it is National Road Safety Week from 19th to 23rd November with a theme of ‘Bike Smart’ which aims to get everyone thinking about the safety of those on two wheels. Register online with Brake to receive resources and lesson plans for the event.

18. FREE Mindfulness Session Please call us on 02921679035 or 07986611485 email us: contact@mindfulfamilies.co.uk

19. School Phases for Healthy Schools Schools who have achieved the Healthy Schools National Quality Award: • Markham Primary (2012) • Bedwas High (2012) • Hendredenny Park Primary (2014) • St Gwladys Primary (2014) • Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili (2015) • Bedwas Juniors (2015) • Ty Isaf Infants (2016) • Cwmaber Infants (2017) • Cwrt Rawlin Primary (2017) • Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre (2018) • Cwmfelinfach Primary (2018) • Hendre Infants (2018) • Ysgol Ifor Bach (2018) • Schools who have achieved the Healthy Schools Local Phase 6 Award: • St Helens Roman Catholic School (2014) • Bryn Awel Primary (2014) • Pentwynmawr Primary (2014) • Llanfabon Infants (2016) • Penllwyn Primary (2016) • Cwm Glas Infants (2017) • Ysgol Gymraeg Trelyn (2017) • Tyn Y Wern Primary (2017) • Llancaeach Junior School (2018) • Waunfawr Primary School (2018)

20. School Phases for Healthy Schools Working towards NQA / Local Phase 6:

21. School Phases for Healthy Schools Phase 5 Schools: Phase 4 Schools: • Aberbargoed Primary Newbridge Comprehensive • Cefn Fforest Primary Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni • Ty Sign Primary • Upper Rhymney Phase 3 Schools: Phase 2 Schools: • Innovate - RhymneyInnovate – The Hangar • St Martins Comprehensive • The Learning Centre (PRU Glan-y-Nant)

22. Sharing Good Practice Do you have something you would like to be included in the next edition of our Healthy Schools Newsletter? Achievements, forthcoming and successful events are all welcome. Would you like to see your school in the ‘Sharing Good Practice’ section? Promoting your achievements will help us to share good practice and improve the health and wellbeing of all schools in the Caerphilly County Borough. . Please send any articles and photos by 26th October 2018 for inclusion in the Spring 2019 edition. If you have any comments regarding the above information please contact the Healthy Schools Team on: (01443) 864863 or email : Carin Quinn: quinnc@caerphilly.gov.uk Adam Thomas: thomaa13@caerphilly.gov.uk Sue Evans: evanss18@caerphilly.gov.uk