Schools in Liverpool are to get more than half a million pounds to spend on improving physical and mental health – funded by the sugar tax.
The council has received £271,436 of Healthy Pupils Capital Fund money from the soft drinks levy which will benefit more than 80 nursery, primary, special and secondary community schools.
It is split proportionately dependent on their capital funding allocation, with the highest awards going to the biggest schools in the city. Alsop High School is getting £12,216 and Calderstones School is receiving £10,763. Primary schools will receive between £2k and £4k.
In addition, Church of England and Roman Catholic voluntary aided schools will receive £290,323, with funding decisions made by the Diocese and Archdiocese.
It brings the total amount for Liverpool to £561,759 – which can be spent on anything which makes children more active with their minds and bodies, such as school allotments, water fountains, play equipment and marking as well as kitchen appliances.
Cabinet member for education, Cllr Barbara Murray, said: “Getting children into the habit of being active mentally and physically is vital – we know it helps with learning and is something that can last a lifetime if it becomes routine.
“We have taken a decision with our own schools to make sure that every one of them gets a slice of the funding to spend as they see fit and I am looking forward to seeing how they use it.”
