AM visits school with health at its heart

10.16.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 11th Oct 2007

Neath Rugby set up the scheme in October 2005

Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Jenny Randerson AM today visited the Gnoll Primary School in Neath where she saw first-hand healthy living at the heart of education.

Gnoll School is involved in the Primestart scheme organised by Neath Rugby, where children are encouraged to put healthy living, eating and exercise at the heart of their lives.

Jenny Randerson AM said: "I was immensely impressed by the way that this scheme has helped the children at Gnoll to look after their health.

"I wholeheartedly pay tribute to the school, its staff and all those involved with Neath Rugby, its players and coaches who are clearly putting a tremendous amount back in to their community. Neath Rugby should be very proud of the work that they are doing in their community

"The thing that really impressed me was the way that the work that Neath Rugby and the teachers have done has made the children feel ownership over their own health, diets and exercise.

"I hope that the Primestart scheme will continue to grow and will come to be seen as good-practice across Wales and that schemes like these are given the support that they need now and in the future.

"I would also like to thank everyone involved today; Neath's players and coaches, all the staff at Gnoll, the children and the prefects who showed us around the school.

Notes:

Jenny Randerson was visiting Gnoll Primary School in Neath this morning (11/10)

Neath Rugby set up Primestart in October 2005 to help to combat the spread of obesity amongst children and to encourage children to live healthier lifestyles.

Jenny Randerson is currently introducing an Assembly Measure on healthier school meals to help tackle childhood obesity in Wales.

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