Better Health at Work Award

Jarrow School continues to place health and wellbeing at the forefront of its organisational priorities, supported by robust strategies that ensure progress against the Action Plan remains on track. Strong leadership from the management team, alongside the Healthy Schools Coordinator (a newly established role) and dedicated health advocates, has ensured consistent promotion and engagement with all stakeholders. Regular meetings are held to review progress, share updates, and plan campaigns.

Health advocates, supported by the Healthy Schools Coordinator, work to embed the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) ethos across all school activities, aligning health and wellbeing initiatives with the wider organisational objective of improving outcomes for staff and students. 

Health and wellbeing are fully integrated into organisational protocols, including a structured induction for new employees. Jarrow School has continued to invest in an extensive training programme for health advocates, enabling them to deliver consistent and effective messages to staff and students.

The health advocates have delivered a comprehensive and varied programme of campaigns and activities designed to engage staff and pupils and promote positive lifestyle choices. Campaign themes have included physical activity, mental health and stress, social value, charity awareness, and environmental sustainability, supported by a wide range of activities and events. These initiatives aim to raise awareness, encourage participation, and foster long-term behaviour change.

Staff engagement is further strengthened through the annual “Staff Voice” questionnaire, with 2024 feedback directly informing a more diverse and tailored programme of activities. Jarrow School has also adopted a proactive social value approach, selecting it as a core campaign theme and delivering inclusive activities both on site and within the local community. Increased engagement with staff families, parents, and community members has been a notable and positive development.

The school continues to champion flexible working, including the replacement of inset training days with subsidised wellbeing days. Staff feedback highlights improved morale, increased feelings of being valued, and opportunities to recharge. Jarrow School promotes an inclusive workplace through a wide range of policies and actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives throughout the year.

Financial wellbeing is supported through pensions, access to financial advice, and clear signposting to resources. Health literacy is actively promoted to ensure staff and students can effectively access and use health information. Overall, the evidence demonstrates a strong and sustained commitment to the high standards required by the Better Health at Work Award, ensuring a positive and embedded culture of health and wellbeing across the school.