Healthy Primary School Of The Future Really Healthier.

Healthy Primary School Of The Future Really Healthier.

In region Parkstad Zuid-Limburg four schools work with the concept 'The Healthy Primary School of the Future'. Research by Maastricht University shows that children at these schools eat healthier and move more.

Healthy Primary School of the Future

Two of the four participating schools have a longer school day with much attention to sports and movement. The other two participating schools also have extra attention to healthy food. The idea behind ‘Healthy primary school of the future’ is that pupils who feel better also perform better. Researchers from Maastricht University follow the schools, pupils and their parents for four years.

Positive Effects of the Approach

The project has been running for more than two years and the first results are known. All four schools show positive results. At all four participating schools:

• Children have a healthier weight
• Children move more and sit less
• There are fewer conflicts

The combination of more exercise and healthy food has the biggest effect. The above benefits apply there. At the two schools where there is also extra attention to healthy food:

• Eating habits are healthier
• Children drink a lot more water

All results are clearly included in an infographic.

The Research

For a good comparison, four control schools take part in the research. These schools do not make changes to the school day, exercise rhythm or food. This way, researchers can see after four years what the effects are of the full package, only the exercise package, and no changes at all. The social-economic situation of parents is also included in the research.