Schools in Harrow have joined with partners across the Borough to create the Fit4Life Harrow project.

Date tells us that children in Harrow are not performing well in terms of their health and fitness. The latest figures show that pupils coming into our Reception classes in Harrow are, on average, at 19% overweight or obese and then they are leaving our Primary Schools in Y6 with an average of 38% overweight or obese.

Harrow children also have very high levels of tooth decay. 42.4% of children at the age of 5 have decayed or missing teeth. Harrow also has high levels of Type 2 Diabetes.

Harrow Fit4Life has devised a School Charter which sets out the ambition for schools and parents working together.

We'll be sharing much more information over the coming weeks and months and we'll be displaying the charter in the school. In the meantime, we would urge every family to take a look at the charter and to commit to being a charter family. Here are the family pledges:

• Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks
• Provide healthy snacks at the end of the school day
• Exercise with children outside of school for at least 30 mins a day
• Sign-up and regularly attend an NHS Dentist and ensure children brush teeth at least twice a day
• Ensure children are up to date with vaccinations
• Talk each day to children about how they are feeling and how their day went

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has written to all London schools today to confirm that the Universal Free School Meals programme is being extended for another school year (until July 2025).

This is excellent news, meaning that all our children who attend a state funded school in London will continue to receive a healthy, nutritious meal every day, so that no child goes hungry in the classroom, and all pupils can better concentrate on their studies.

Even though your child is receiving their free school meals automatically, it is still vitally important – if you have not done so already – to complete the short registration form in case your child is eligible for extra funding for their school from the Government, worth over £1,300 per year. That’s more money for extracurricular activities, teacher development and support for children who need it most. This will ensure you’ll also receive any other benefits you may be entitled to, like food vouchers during the holidays.  You can complete the form here: ​https://pps.lgfl.org.uk/

Sadiq Khan has written to all parents and you can read the letter here: