The Black Country Rainbow Hour
A campaign encouraging all education settings across the Black Country to commit to and provide all pupils with access to one hour of wellbeing and physical activity each day, including during the school curriculum or for pupils still learning remotely from home.
Campaign Brief
The campaign seeks to build confidence and strengthen the support for young people through positive physical, mental, social and emotional companionship, challenge and fun. The Rainbow Hour encourages schools to prioritise the health and wellbeing of Children and Young People and reduce the focus on catching up lost curriculum learning.
The campaign originated from concerns from a range of education partners and schools that this may well slip down the priority order due to the additional pressures the current Covid 19 crisis has placed on all schools. As such the Rainbow Hour was developed with a range of partners across the Black Country including: Local authority Public Health teams, ConnectED, Wolverhampton PASS and Black Country School Games Organisers. The campaign is supported by a toolkit including template press releases, social media content and graphics for all partners to utilise to raise awareness.
Furthermore, the campaign also sought to contribute to the wellbeing of teachers and parents during this time by supporting preparations and enabling them to be more supportive throughout this period, particularly when the activities are completed together.
Covid Lockdown
As part of the support ABC coordinated a bi-weekly resource ‘The Rainbow Book’ which provided a wealth of activity ideas for those at home or at school (produced by education partners) as well as the latest advice and guidance from national partners throughout the period.
Each activity was categorised into one of 7 strands and based on the concept of the 3 c’s: control, communication and consistency, followed the inclusive STEP principles, and can be amended for inclusivity.
Following the initial success, the campaign and resources continued into the 2020/21 academic year which saw a now half termly Rainbow Book released containing an increased range of activities for delivery both within school and those at home acknowledging each schools’ unique circumstances and challenges. Pupils can now monitor their activity via new trackers and once completed and submitted they will be awarded with either a bronze, silver or gold pin badge as recognition of their achievement.
Future Plans:
Additional versions of the Rainbow Book are scheduled for the academic year including a version designed for children with severe learning difficulties as well as a resource to support school staffs wellbeing as part of the DFE return to wellbeing programme. Furthermore, a broad Leadership Programme supporting school improvements under each strand is also in design.
Description of case study including location and participants
As of November 2020 the campaign and resources have engaged with 118 schools, 34 partners organisations and over 36,000 pupils. The Rainbow Book has seen 5 academic versions, as well 4 family editions covering the school holidays period with over 270 different activities available for children and families to access. The campaign and books have also enabled a positive take up of the virtual school games offer as part of the personal challenge strand of activities but ultimately helped to ensure Physical Activity remains a key component of the holistic development of children across the Black Country. Examples of other activities range from gardening, nature trail hunts and Yoga to activities that develop pupils knowledge on healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.
The campaign has sought to encourage sharing of best practice across the region through social media platforms and via parents. A review of social media engagement for the campaign shows:
- Total tweets = 909
- Potential Reach = 965,440
- Potential Impressions = 1,605,283.20
- Economic Value = £3,193
As well as been really well received by schools and partners the campaign and particularly the Rainbow Resource books have also been recognised by Public Health England as an example of good practice as well as featuring in local coverage from BCC Midlands Today and West Midlands Radio.
As well as been really well received by schools and partners the campaign and particularly the Rainbow Resource books have also been recognised by Public Health England as an example of good practice as well as featuring in local coverage from BCC Midlands Today and West Midlands Radio.
‘’I believe that providing our children with the opportunities suggested within the Rainbow Hour initiative is crucial to their wellbeing, as well as their continued development and progress. They have loved our outdoor learning, adapted sporting activities, creative projects and the opportunity to discuss and reflect more - understanding and exploring their feelings.
This initiative has helped staff think differently as well, to enable us to continue with exciting aspects of learning, within the boundaries we've been set. We are all proud of our garden area in particular and intend to continue with the Rainbow Hour long after things get back to 'normal'.”
Craig Ellicott, KS2, English and PE Coordinator at St John Bosco Catholic Primary School
More Information
The official webpage contains the latest promotional video whilst a range of images from schools taking part can be found on the official hashtag:
www.blackcountryrainbowhour.co.uk/
Social Media
#BlackCountryRainbowHour
BBC Midlands Today Coverage: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ADrN-1MvqOp6ycyoCGjORnkpA_xJ47a7/view
Public Health Weight Management Best Practice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/weight-management-services-during-covid-19-phase-1-insights
Contact
Tim Aldred
Education Partnership Officer
tim_aldred@blackcountryconsortium.co.uk
Work Mobile:07943504573