AN INFANT school in Basingstoke has become the latest in north Hampshire to achieve the National Healthy School Standard.

Manor Field Infant School, in Haydn Road, Brighton Hill, has successfully completed the assessment for the standard.

Schools applying for the scheme must choose themes to focus on over two years - and Manor Field chose healthy eating, in addition to emotional health and wellbeing.

Headteacher Penny Bullough said: "I am so delighted we have achieved this.

"All the staff and children worked hard but enjoyed learning about the importance of healthy living."

The Healthy School Standard, which was launched in 1999, is a Government-driven initiative to encourage teachers to promote healthy lifestyles to their pupils.

Applicants have to demonstrate a whole-school approach to improving pupils' health - both physically and mentally - to be awarded the standard.

They are then subject to ongoing assessments in order to keep the accreditation.

Julie Thompson, senior health promotion specialist for the North Hampshire Health Promotion Service, which leads the project in the county, said: "It is really important that we invest in the health of our children.

"A healthy child will learn more and an educated child tends to be more healthy because they take some interest in their health.

"If a child comes to school on a good breakfast, drinks plenty of water, eats healthily and has plenty of exercise, they are getting the best chance in life."

For more information about the National Healthy School Standard, log on to www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk

First published: Thursday, October 27, 2005