Making the Schools Pledge work for every child

At Health Equalities Group (HEG), we believe every child deserves the chance to feel included, supported, and able to thrive at school. Our Schools Pledge programme has already helped schools across Cheshire and Merseyside embed healthier food choices, encourage more movement, and promote positive wellbeing as part of a whole-school approach. Over the years, we’ve seen how small, evidence-based changes can make a big difference – and we’ve learned a great deal from the schools, teachers, and pupils who put these ideas into practice.

We also know that for some children, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), extra thought and support is needed to make sure initiatives really work for them. Schools have told us that while the Pledge is a valuable framework, more tailored guidance would help them ensure pupils with diverse needs are fully included. We have listened carefully to this feedback and are now responding with a new resource.

The forthcoming Schools Pledge SEND Supplement is designed to help schools adapt their approaches so that no child misses out. It will bring together the latest research and real-world experience to:

• Highlight evidence on school meal take-up for pupils with SEND.

• Provide practical strategies to make dining environments more inclusive and reduce barriers.

• Support wellbeing, body confidence, and inclusive approaches to movement.

• Showcase examples of good practice from schools already leading the way.

• Signpost to trusted training and resources to build staff confidence and capacity.

By developing this supplement, HEG is building on our strong track record of delivering public health programmes that combine research with practical solutions. We are excited to be putting the finishing touches to this resource, which will be launched soon – helping schools across the region make the Schools Pledge truly work for every child.

For more information about the School’s Pledge, please email: karen.bone@heg.org.uk