Bridgwater primary school becomes water-only for pupils

The school in Bridgwater has become Somerset's first Water School

A county council is encouraging primary school students to make water their drink of choice during the school day.

The Water Schools scheme run by Somerset Council, is being piloted in the primary school section at Bridgwater College Academy.

It involves pupils only drinking tap water at school and parents not providing drinks from home.

Patsy Temple, from Somerset Public Health, said: "It's a way to embed healthy habits in school early on."

She added: "This helps reduce the amount of sugar children are having."

Water is given to the children throughout the day instead of sugary alternatives

She continued: "We have an epidemic of children who are becoming more overweight and one in three children in Somerset who leave primary school overweight.

"Engaging children at younger ages with games and curriculum aides really helps their understanding."

The public health team said studies show hydration supports "attention, concentration and memory" and pupils' readiness to learn.

The campaign also focuses on oral hygiene and teaching children to brush their teeth.

'Difference in our students'

Helen Stone, assistant head at Bridgwater College said: "Water is our drink of choice at Somerset's first water-only school.

"The school is beginning to really see the health benefits of drinking more water and fewer sugary drinks.

"We are seeing a difference in our students and hydration will really help with concentration.

"It also saves parents money, so it's a win-win situation."

Somerset Council says it may roll the programme out across more primary schools in the county.