The Healthy Primary School of the Future is about taking a different look at children’s nutrition, exercise and biorhythm. In the Eastern Mining Region, Maastricht University, MOVARE education foundation and GGD South Limburg are working together on the Healthy Primary School of the Future. Four intervention schools and four control schools have now been involved in the project for more than three years. The extensive study focuses not only on exercise and nutrition, but also on the biological clock. The expectation is that the interventions will ultimately lead to changes in health-related behaviour.
The plan uses nutrition, exercise and the biological clock as starting points for establishing a school programme that is both appealing to children and capable of having a major impact on society. The interim evaluation of this study shows that the focus on nutrition and exercise at school is bearing fruit.
The schools involved are making choices in the areas of exercise and nutrition that have far-reaching consequences for parents and school teams. The entire daily schedule has been changed, and pedagogical staff are active at every school. The afternoon break is longer and the school day ends later. During the afternoon break, pedagogical staff organise an extensive exercise and culture programme. At two schools, pupils no longer bring packed lunches; instead, they receive a free healthy lunch every day.
You will hear the details of the study and its compelling results on the afternoon of Wednesday 6 November during the knowledge session led by those directly involved. In addition, on Thursday 7 November you will visit one of the participating schools, where you will receive a tour, have the opportunity to join the lunch and take part in the exercise activity. You will see and experience what a school day is like at this school!
Target audience
Intended for school board members, principals and teachers from primary education, municipal policy officers and representatives of intermediary organisations working in education and health. Naturally, the session is also open to colleagues from secondary education who are looking for inspiration!
Background information
To help you prepare properly, you can find the necessary background information here:
- Research on the Healthy Primary School of the Future.
- Interim evaluation of the Healthy Primary School of the Future.
- www.degezondebasisschoolvandetoekomst.nl
- www.gezondeleefstijlopschool.nl
- This video shows why all pupils at De Schatgraver come to school with an empty lunchbox.
Click here for information and to register.