Worcestershire Insights – School Years and Youth

School Years and Youth

School chefs embark on mission to boost children’s health

30 June 2026

Last week (June 25) school chefs from 12 schools across the county celebrated graduating from a course delivered by charity, Chefs in Schools, highlighting the vital role school food plays in children’s health, learning and long-term wellbeing. Good nutrition in childhood is fundamental, supporting concentration, attainment and healthy growth, while helping to establish lifelong eating … Continue reading “School chefs embark on mission to boost children’s health”

School Years and Youth

Music lessons improve outcomes for children in Redditch

23 June 2026

Tudor Grange School in Redditch has opened the door to new musical experiences for students across the school. Thanks to support from a Worcestershire County Council public health grant the school have been able to purchase of a wide range of musical instruments, which have since become a central part of lessons, performances and extracurricular … Continue reading “Music lessons improve outcomes for children in Redditch”

School Years and Youth

Go karts, bubbles and basketball bring children together at Malvern school

Somers Park Primary School in Malvern, new OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) resources are changing the way children play, socialise and express themselves during breaktimes. Thanks to a public health grant the school has expanded its outdoor provision with equipment that encourages both active and imaginative play. Staff say the changes have made playtimes more … Continue reading “Go karts, bubbles and basketball bring children together at Malvern school”

School Years and Youth

How one Worcester school is supporting wellbeing beyond the classroom

18 May 2026

At Norton Juxta Kempsey CE Primary School, a new outdoor wellbeing space is helping students pause, reflect, move and create. Alongside a newly installed dome structure, the school has used funding from a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant to introduce a range of creative and physical resources that support pupil wellbeing outside of the … Continue reading “How one Worcester school is supporting wellbeing beyond the classroom”

School Years and Youth

After-school fitness clubs keeping students active and engaged

For some students, taking part in physical activity at school is not easy. Lack of confidence, the environment and feeling uncomfortable around others can all be barriers to engaging. The De Montfort School in Evesham, is committed to removing those barriers and getting all students engaged in exercise. With support from a Worcestershire County Council … Continue reading “After-school fitness clubs keeping students active and engaged”

School Years and Youth

Redditch school transforms courtyard into wellbeing garden

08 May 2026

Church Hill Middle School has brought new life to an overgrown, unused courtyard by transforming it into a calm, welcoming wellbeing garden for pupils. Using a Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant, the school set out to create a central space where children could take time out, read, reflect and connect with others and the … Continue reading “Redditch school transforms courtyard into wellbeing garden”

School Years and Youth

Wall of Hope sparks joy in Worcester city centre

24 March 2026

A beautiful mural now stands proudly in Worcester city centre, designed and created by young people, to brighten up an area known for anti-social behaviour. The project, delivered by Worcester BID in partnership with Worcester Community Trust, Light Box and Worcestershire County Council, offered weekly creative sessions for 11 to 17‑year‑olds throughout the school holidays. … Continue reading “Wall of Hope sparks joy in Worcester city centre”

School Years and Youth

Penny the dog mentor brings calm, confidence and joy to Worcester school

Stanley Road Primary School in Worcester has welcomed a new four‑legged member of staff. Penny, a fully trained dog mentor, is already making a positive difference to pupil wellbeing, confidence, and learning. Penny supports children across the school by helping to make learning fun, reducing stress, and offering a calming presence. She visits classrooms, encourages … Continue reading “Penny the dog mentor brings calm, confidence and joy to Worcester school”

School Years and Youth

Young people dive into water safety in Stourport

Stourport is a town surrounded by water, with canals, basins and the River Severn running directly through it. During hot weather, many young people are drawn to the river to cool off, often without understanding the risks. Youth Direxions, which has delivered youth provision in the town for over 25 years, designed a dedicated water‑safety … Continue reading “Young people dive into water safety in Stourport”

School Years and Youth

Understanding and connection for parents with neurodivergent children

19 March 2026

Understanding and connection for parents with neurodivergent children A new robust peer support network for parents with neurodivergent children is helping families feel more supported and less alone. ARCOS, a Malvern‑based therapy charity supporting children and adults with additional needs, identified that many families with neuro‑divergent children were experiencing significant social isolation. With support from … Continue reading “Understanding and connection for parents with neurodivergent children”