Health Education - Parents Page
What Are We Calling Health Education?
I’ll admit I’m a bit old-fashioned, because I don’t believe that sport is the only thing that should be included in Physical Education.
At Orchard Training, we like to think of it as Health Education instead. Being healthy isn’t just about running or playing games — it also includes sleeping well, cooking, eating properly, moving regularly, and resting when you need to.
A healthy body and regular exercise help you feel happier and can reduce feelings of stress or sadness.
For some of our autistic learners, learning to live independently means making their own choices about food. Without parents choosing what to buy or cook, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits and gain weight. That’s why it’s important to learn how to plan and cook healthy meals.
Some of our learners are also in hospital, where doing sports isn’t always possible. For them, staying healthy might look different — it might mean focusing on good nutrition, gentle movement, or rest and recovery.
So here at Orchard Training, we don’t just talk about being physically fit — we talk about being healthy in every way.
Following A Set Programme of Learning
Health Education is about much more than just sport. It’s about helping you understand your body, build confidence, and learn how to face challenges so you can create a better future for yourself and others.
Because we don’t have to follow the National Curriculum, we don’t all have to run in straight lines on Sports Day!
Whatever kind of physical activity you enjoy — give it a try.
You can take part in sport by going to a gym or joining a sports club, but remember there are usually costs for things like membership or equipment. Some of our learners are even training for championships, and home education helps them balance their studies with their sporting careers — the two can work really well together.
There are four simple and affordable activities that I always recommend, because they’re often free and great for your body and mind:
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Walking
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Running
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Cycling
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Swimming
These are easy ways to stay fit, healthy, and happy — no expensive gear required!
Recording The Learning
It’s a great idea to keep a record of your healthy activities in your diary or journal. This helps you see your progress and gives useful evidence for your Education Welfare Officer (EWO).
Activity
If you take part in competitions, write down the details — include any programmes, certificates, or tickets.
If you’re allowed to, you can also record the event on your phone and keep a digital copy as part of your record.
Sleep
If you need help with getting a better night’s sleep, please contact us. We can take you through our Sleep Programme, which follows the NHS Sleep Hygiene Rules — things like going to bed and waking up at regular times. This programme can also provide helpful evidence for your GP and EWO.
Eating
Keep your own cookery book filled with photos of the meals and treats you’ve made. This is one of the things that impresses the Education Welfare Officers the most!
So, every time you cook:
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Take a photo of your finished dish.
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Add it to your recipe in your cookery book or Word document.
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Include notes about portion sizes, allergies, and seasonal ingredients.
We don’t just make sweet, sugar-free treats — we also focus on healthy, family meals.
Typing your recipes in Word lets you add photos and notes neatly on the same page. It’s a great way to build your own personal cookbook and show all the skills you’re learning.
Get Involved and Stay Active!
Want to stay fit and have fun at the same time? Follow us on Facebook or check out our website to see all the exciting activities and events happening throughout the year.
Here’s what’s coming up:
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Autumn 1: Take on the 5K Run Challenge — see how far you can go!
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Autumn 2 & Spring 1: Swim the English Channel (well… the same distance in laps!)
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Spring 2 – Summer 1: Join us for Walking the River Thames — track your miles and see how far you get!
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Summer 2: Grab your bike and join our Cycling Challenge — perfect for sunny days!
Keep moving, stay healthy, and have fun doing it!
Health Education On A Home School Budget
Get Moving — Simple Ways to Stay Active!
Walking
Walking is free and one of the easiest ways to stay healthy! You can find details of local walks through your local councilor check your library for books about walks in your area — or even where you go on holiday.
Walking can fit into lots of subjects too:
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Go on a Geography field trip along the coast.
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Take a History walk around a place of interest.
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Join a Science Bat Walk at night.
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Or simply walk to enjoy the changing seasons.
Why not join us for our Walking for Friendship walks — every first Thursday of the month!
Cycling
The biggest cost with cycling is the bike itself, and as you grow, it can be tricky to keep up with your size! Check out your local Freecycle website to swap bikes for the next size up — it’s good for your wallet and the planet.
Once you’ve learned to ride safely, you can go almost anywhere!
Why not join us for our Cycle Training and get ready for our Charity Bike Ride!
Swimming
The main cost of swimming is usually the lessons and entry fees, but learning to swim is one of the most important life skills you can have.
Swimming is the only sport that can save your life. Sadly, drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children — so learning to swim is truly essential.
Including Health In The Learning Routine
At Orchard Training, we include health education in our projects wherever it fits naturally and can be fun to learn.
For example, in our Cakes Project, we explore different types of cakes to make — and in our British Waterways Project, we include ideas for water sports and even walking the whole River Thames from its source to its mouth over the year!
You don’t need any fancy or expensive equipment to learn about health. Each project includes a list of the resources you’ll need and places you can visit, all designed with a home-school budget in mind.
Remember:
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Try to be active for 30 to 60 minutes every day — even a walk counts!
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Think about what you eat and make healthy choices.
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Get enough sleep — it’s just as important for your health as food and exercise.
