Staff and pupils at a Bradford primary school have become the first in the city to win a prestigious award for promoting health in and out of class.

Everything from sex, drugs and smoking to food sold in the tuckshop has come under scrutiny at Ryan Middle School, which has won the Health Promoting School Award.

Now the West Bowling school is set to build on its success in scooping the award, which is backed by NHS chiefs, Bradford Council and schools bosses, in the hope ideas about healthy lifestyles will stay with children in future years.

Even break-time games will be examined, with ground markings encouraging pupils to get involved in activities at playtime to reduce bullying problems.

Award co-ordinator Richard Hackford, of Bradford's health promotion service, said the award was the culmination of more than two years' hard work focusing on seven targets. These issues included smoking, nutrition, the environment and support for pupils and staff.

"It is encouraging that a school in an area regarded as deprived is doing good work, because there is a very strong link between deprivation and mental and physical health," he said.

"What the school is doing is providing a nurturing environment so the children feel comfortable and safe and can gain strength from that."

Still to be looked at were better sex education for boys, healthier options in the tuckshop and advice on taking medicines for older children.

"They'll also be looking at the surface signs in the playground to give markings for games," said Mr Hackford.

"Research has shown if pupils generally are left to their own devices, with poor stimulus outside the classroom, it encourages a culture of bullying so the more they have to do in the playground helps to take them away from that."

Head teacher Geoff Ensor said he was delighted with the award, which it was hoped would enhance children's lifestyles in years to come. "It's more about promoting feelings of health in its broadest sense, not just a case of eating an apple a day," he said.

"If the school has a quality attitude, then there's more chance of the kids having a good attitude towards health and giving health such a high profile is bound to have a positive effect."

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