A SCHOOL in Bridgwater has vowed to encourage pupils to drink only water as part of a new public health initiative.

College Academy School has become Somerset’s first ‘Water School’, as part of an initiative to improve health in schools by encouraging children to drink water throughout the day.

The new initiative kicked off with a launch event at the school on Friday, January 5, which was attended by gold-medallist heptathlete Seren Rodgers.Bridgwater Mercury: Seren Rogers speaking to children in reception class, Snowy Owls.Seren Rogers speaking to children in reception class, Snowy Owls. (Image: Somerset Council)

At the event, Rodgers gave an inspirational talk to the children about her experience of winning Gold at the England U20 Pentathlon event in 2022, stressing the importance of staying hydrated with water and maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Pupils then took part in sporting activities delivered by Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership as well as trying out fruit-infused water with fruit donated by Morrisons Bridgwater.

Children were also educated on the sugar in different types of drinks and the impact this can have on oral health.  

Helen Stone, assistant headteacher at Bridgwater College Academy School said: “It’s a new year and often a time for developing new habits.

"At Bridgwater College Academy, our New Years resolution is to drink more water.

“As teachers, we often see children struggling with toothache, unable to concentrate because they aren’t able to see a dentist for months, due to long waiting lists.

"By teaching the students the importance of drinking water, we want them to make healthy choices and drinking more water will aid their focus for learning, after all, knowledge is power.”Bridgwater Mercury: Left to right – Tamsin, Amelia, Armani and Angel pupils from Year 6.Left to right – Tamsin, Amelia, Armani and Angel pupils from Year 6. (Image: Somerset Council)

Water Schools is an initiative to encourage children in Somerset to make water their drink of choice. In a Water School, water is the preferred drink for both children and school staff.

The initiative is based on three main principles:

  • Pupils only drink tap water while at school.
  • Parents do not need to provide drinks from home.
  • Teachers encourage children to drink water during the day.

According to Somerset Council, although some schools may have a 'no fizzy drinks' policy in place, if schools took on a school-wide 'water only' policy it would help young people to establish good habits early in life and ultimately reduce the risk of preventable health issues.

Councillor Adam Dance, lead member for public health, equalities and diversity at Somerset Council, said: “Overconsumption of sugary drinks is one of the primary causes of tooth decay in young children, as well as representing a recognised risk factor for long-term diseases later in life such as unhealthy weight, pre-diabetes, heart disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

“Water Schools is a terrific initiative to drive home the message about healthy water consumption and we would encourage all schools to take part.

"Water will help keep children well hydrated during the day as well as supporting their concentration and learning at school.”