TWO primary schools in Redcar and Cleveland have achieved the Gold Eat Well Award, which recognises their outstanding commitment to promoting healthy eating and positive food culture.
St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School and South Bank Community Primary School have both been awarded the Gold status of the scheme.
The Eat Well Award highlights organisations that demonstrate a strong, whole‑setting approach to healthy eating, embedding good nutrition into everyday school life while supporting wider health and wellbeing.
St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School demonstrated a whole‑school approach to healthy eating. Pupils play an active role in shaping seasonal menus through the school council, helping to increase engagement and encourage healthier choices. The school has also introduced initiatives such as a healthy tuckshop, daily fruit provision and a dedicated growing area, allowing children to learn about food in a hands‑on way.
The staff are positive role models for the pupils, encouraging healthy behaviours through consistent messaging shared across the school day. The school has also taken innovative steps to support families, including making surplus food available to parents, helping improve access to affordable, nutritious options.
Mrs Suzanne Dickinson, Head of School at St Benedict's Catholic Primary School said: “We are delighted to receive the Gold Eat Well Award. Promoting healthy lifestyles is an important part of life at St Benedict’s and this recognition reflects the commitment of our pupils, staff and families to creating a positive culture around healthy eating. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”
South Bank Community Primary has shown a similar commitment to encouraging healthy choices. A dedicated Wellbeing Ambassador Group helps shape menus, ensuring meals are both nutritious and reflective of pupils’ preferences.
The school has created an inclusive dining experience, introducing picture menus and supporting pupils with additional needs to dine alongside their peers, building independence and confidence. Food education is brought to life through activities such as growing projects, farm visits and practical learning experiences that help children understand where food comes from.
Alongside this, the school works closely with families, sharing healthy recipes, providing advice and signposting to local support such as community grocery schemes and family hubs. Its work also extends beyond food, contributing to wider public health initiatives including supervised toothbrushing and the Welcome to Breastfeed scheme.
Miss Tammy Cooper, Head Teacher at South Bank Primary School said: “We are delighted that our work to make healthy eating an everyday part of school life has been recognised with the Gold Eat Well Award. Healthy food, practical learning and strong partnerships with families sit at the heart of our vision. This award celebrates the commitment of pupils, staff and parents to give every child the best start in life.”
Cllr Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children said: “This is a fantastic achievement for both St Benedict’s and South Bank Community Primary School, and one that reflects the dedication of staff, pupils and families. Promoting healthy eating from an early age is vital, and both schools have shown outstanding commitment in creating supportive environments where children can develop positive, lifelong habits. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in securing this well‑deserved recognition.”
You can find out more about the Eat Well Awards programme at Eat Well Award | Redcar and Cleveland or by getting in touch with eatwell_award@middlesbrough.gov.uk