Physical Wellbeing
EPS School Statement on Physical Health & Wellbeing
The aim of teaching pupils about physical health and mental wellbeing is to give them the information that they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing. It enables them to recognise what is normal and what is an issue in themselves and others and, when issues arise, know how to seek support as early as possible from appropriate sources.
Physical health and mental wellbeing are interlinked, and it is important that pupils understand that good physical health contributes to good mental wellbeing, and vice versa.
It is important for schools to promote pupils’ self-control and ability to self-regulate, and strategies for doing so. This will enable them to become confident in their ability to achieve well and persevere even when they encounter setbacks or when their goals are distant, and to respond calmly and rationally to setbacks and challenges. This integrated, whole-school approach to the teaching and promotion of health and wellbeing has a potential positive impact on behaviour and attainment.
Our aspiration is: - by the end of primary school:
Physical health and fitness
Pupils should know:
- the characteristics and mental and physical benefits of an active lifestyle
- the importance of building regular exercise into daily and weekly routines and how to achieve this; for example walking or cycling to school, a daily active mile or other forms of regular, vigorous exercise
- the risks associated with an inactive lifestyle (including obesity)
- how and when to seek support including which adults to speak to in school if they are worried about their health
Healthy eating
Pupils should know:
- what constitutes a healthy diet (including understanding calories and other nutritional content)
- the principles of planning and preparing a range of healthy meals
- the characteristics of a poor diet and risks associated with unhealthy eating (including, for example, obesity and tooth decay) and other behaviours (e.g. the impact of alcohol on diet or health)
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco
Pupils should know:
- the facts about legal and illegal harmful substances and associated risks, including smoking, alcohol use and drug-taking
Health and prevention
Pupils should know:
- how to recognise early signs of physical illness, such as weight loss, or unexplained changes to the body
- about safe and unsafe exposure to the sun, and how to reduce the risk of sun damage, including skin cancer
- the importance of sufficient good quality sleep for good health and that a lack of sleep can affect weight, mood and ability to learn
- about dental health and the benefits of good oral hygiene and dental flossing, including regular check-ups at the dentist
- about personal hygiene and germs including bacteria, viruses, how they are spread and treated, and the importance of handwashing
- the facts and science relating to allergies, immunisation and vaccination
Basic first aid
Pupils should know:
- how to make a clear and efficient call to emergency services if necessary
- concepts of basic first-aid, for example dealing with common injuries, including head injuries
Changing adolescent body
Pupils should know:
- key facts about puberty and the changing adolescent body, particularly from age 9 through to age 11, including physical and emotional changes
- about menstrual wellbeing including the key facts about the menstrual cycle
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