Healthy Schools award ceremony 2025

On Tuesday 1 July, Clarendon Hall in Twickenham was buzzing with excitement as we gathered for the marvellous Healthy Schools award ceremony 2025. The event celebrated the achievements of schools across Richmond and Wandsworth that have been working hard to promote children’s health and wellbeing through the Healthy Schools Programme. 

The successful programme, which is run by our Public Health team in collaboration with Achieving for Children, is now in its fourth year with a total of 16 Richmond schools achieving one or more bronze, silver or gold awards.

The day began with inspiring 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 Richmond treated everyone to a delicious selection of foods currently served in schools. The dishes were not only nutritious but also bursting with flavour. Everyone agreed they were absolutely scrumptious.

Next came a captivating performance by Loudmouth Theatre Company, delivering a powerful piece from their Helping Hands programme which is currently commissioned and delivered in Richmond and Wandsworth 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, PSHE Association, PATHs programme, NSPCC Talk Pants, Daily Mile, Sports Development Team, Food Waste, Loudmouth, The Immunisation team and more. Children took part in a lively treasure hunt, collecting answers from each stall. Their reward? A cheerful ‘banana smile’ - a perfect snack box encouraging healthy eating habits. And of course, no celebration would be complete without a visit from our furry friend Pantosaurus, who brought smiles and laughter to children and adults alike.

The Director of Public Health Shannon Katiyo said: “I am so proud that 5 years on from my first Annual Director of Public Health report for Richmond which focused on a whole school and community approaches to health and wellbeing, we have sustained our systematic approach and effort to promoting and protect 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.