STAFF and pupils at Caldicot’s Durand Primary School are celebrating being the second primary school in Monmouthshire to win the Healthy Schools National Quality Award.

The award is an excellence award for health promotion in schools, and is from a Welsh Government scheme managed by Public Health Wales.

To gain the award, staff and pupils at Durand Primary developed a whole school approach to food and fitness, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, personal development and relationships and other subjects.

Pupils’ involvement in decision-making is given high priority and many have taken the opportunity to become involved in the school council and eco-committee as well as becoming junior road safety officers, playground buddies, sports ambassadors and healthy school official helpers.

In addition, the school has offered outdoor areas to support and encourage physical activity. These include a greenhouse, planting areas and other areas.

Head teacher Allison Waters said: “I am delighted that we have achieved this prestigious award. I am very proud as this has been a real team effort with everybody involved in our school working together.

“The well-being of pupils and staff is of the utmost importance to us here at Durand Primary School.”

Councillor Liz Hacket Pain, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for schools and learning, added: “Durand Primary School richly deserves this award as staff and pupils have committed themselves to a culture that promotes physical, mental and social health.”