§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend the healthy schools initiative on a national basis. [46860]
§ Ms JowellIt is the aim of the healthy schools initiative for all schools to become healthy schools. To achieve this we plan to establish as quickly as possible a national healthy school award with clear criteria on what constitutes a healthy school, and for which all schools will be able to apply. We are currently setting up eight pilots where health authorities and local education authorities will work together in devising models that other areas can follow. These pilots will also inform the development of the criteria for the healthy schools award.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what strategies he is developing under the healthy schools initiative to improve safety for children travelling to and from school. [46859]
§ Ms JowellThe outline criteria for a healthy school include a requirement for schools to develop strategies to improve the safety of children travelling to and from school. Money will be available from the healthy schools initiative for projects on this subject and we will be working closely with colleagues in the Department for Education and Employment and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.