Healthy Schools awards ceremony for Richmond schools

On Tuesday 1 July 2025, Clarendon Hall in Twickenham was buzzing with excitement as attendees gathered for the Healthy Schools award ceremony.

The event celebrated the achievements of schools across Richmond that have been working hard to promote children’s health and wellbeing through the Healthy Schools Programme. The successful programme, which is run by Richmond Council’s Public Health Team in collaboration with children’s services at Achieving for Children, is now in its fourth year, with a total of 16 schools achieving one or more bronze, silver or gold awards in the Richmond borough.

The day began with presentations from our Golden Schools, who shared their journeys towards achieving gold status. Their stories were filled with creativity, commitment, and a deep passion for embedding health and wellbeing into school life.

Our school meal provider ‘Caterlink’ from the London Borough of Richmond treated everyone to a delicious selection of foods currently served in schools. The dishes were not only nutritious but also bursting with flavour.

Next came a performance by the Loudmouth Theatre Company, delivering a powerful piece from their Helping Hands programme that is currently commissioned and delivered in Richmond schools. The performance sparked thoughtful conversations, and children eagerly asked questions, showing just how engaged and curious they were.

The partner fair was a hive of activity, offering a wealth of information and interactive displays from the British Nutrition Foundation, the PSHE Association, the PATHS programme, NSPCC Talk Pants, Daily Mile, the Sports Development Team, Food Waste, Loudmouth, the Immunisation Team and more. Children took part in a treasure hunt, collecting answers from each stall. Their reward? A cheerful ‘banana smile’ as a perfect snack box encouraging healthy eating habits.

And of course, no celebration would be complete without a visit from Pantosaurus, a furry friend who brought smiles and laughter to children and adults alike.

The Director of Public Health, Shannon Katiyo, said “I am so proud that five years on from my first 'Annual Director of Public Health Report' for Richmond, which focused on whole school and community approaches to health and wellbeing, we have sustained our systematic approach and effort to promoting and protecting the health of children and young people. After all, they are our future.”

A heartfelt thank you to every school, stall holder and colleagues that joined in the fun and made the day so memorable. Your dedication to creating healthier, happier school environments is truly something to celebrate.

More information about the Richmond Healthy Schools programme is here.