WHO said TV's bad for kids?!Clifford Road Primary has become the first school in Suffolk to launch its very own television network.

WHO said TV's bad for kids?!

Clifford Road Primary has become the first school in Suffolk to launch its very own television network.

The channel, which carries content based on health and well being, is broadcast around the school on four television screens - there's even a screen in the playground!

The launch is part of a nationwide pilot scheme, The Life Channel, which is usually televised in doctors' surgeries but has recently been rolled out in several schools across the country.

The programming on the channel is aimed at getting information to pupils and their parents in a speedy and economical way.

IT technician Ruth Keenan helped get the network up and running. She said: “We have four screens on which we can upload content and details of diary events and lots of different messages relating to healthy eating healthy living and exercise.

“It's really good for rewarding children and catching parents and a good way to remind people of things. When a pupil puts a newsletter in their schoolbag it doesn't always end up reaching their parents.”

Head Teacher Steve Wood said: “We have a screen at the school entrance, one in the corridor, another in the nursery and an all-weather screen in the playground.

“The network is still in its infancy at the moment but it's so easy to use that teachers can upload content from their own classroom computer.”

Ipswich MP Chris Mole visited the school to help launch the Life Channel at Clifford Road. He said:

“Children are our future, and I am delighted to see schools in Ipswich, like Clifford Road Primary, taking advantage of this exciting new technological venture.

What the life channel is all about:

The Life Channel is a screen based communications network that, unlike broadcast television, goes out of the home to find its audience, broadcasting practical information, advice and tips on a variety of subjects including health, well-being and lifestyle.

The Life Channel can be found in schools and colleges, pharmacies, opticians and children's activity centres. Each location can tailor the channel to address the needs and issues of its specific audience and environment.