Youngsters at a south Pembrokeshire primary school are learning to eat well in order to learn well.

Stepaside School pupils have been taking part in a range of activities to help improve their health and well-being as part of the Healthy Schools Scheme.

As well as learning to make healthy pizzas and frittatas, pupils undertook oral health education sessions provided by Designed to Smile - a national tooth brushing programme.

They also took part in practical demonstrations about the Eatwell Plate - designed to help them make healthy food choices.

And the school organised a competition among pupils to design a healthy meal, which the school cook then prepared for the youngsters to eat.

It was won by Layla Kershaw, aged 11, who compiled a menu of lasagne, jacket potato and salad followed by fresh strawberry tart and custard.

Cabinet Member and School Governor David Pugh said it was vital to develop healthy eating habits while young.

“One of the best ways to tackle the growing problem of obesity is to develop healthy eating habits at an early age,” he said.

“By learning about healthy food and active lifestyles while young, we hope children will continue the healthy habit throughout their lives.”

Liz Western of the Healthy Schools Scheme said nutritious, healthy food was important for everyone but particularly for youngsters who had a hard day’s learning – as well as playing – to cope with.

“Healthy food aids concentration and mental performance, as well as give energy levels a boost,” she said.

Initiated by Welsh Government, and run in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda Health Board, the Healthy Schools Scheme is a multi-agency approach aimed at improving the health of children in Wales. It aims to make ‘every school a healthy school.’