Whole school approach
The health promoting school aims to achieve a healthy lifestyle for the whole school population by developing supportive environments conducive to the promotion of health. It offers opportunities for and requires commitments to the provision of a safe and health-enhancing social and physical environment.
Health Education 5-14 National Guidelines (Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2000)
Factors that encourage such health promoting environments include:
- creation of a safe, welcoming, relaxed and purposeful environment, with welcome signs in English and community languages
- extra-curricular activities, especially involving physical activity
- school nutrition action groups (SNAG)
- provision of an atmosphere where pupils can express questions or worries about their health and know that they will receive well-informed and sensitive advice
- promotion of discussion on health issues at pupil council
- healthy leisure options - for example, playground activities and lunchtime clubs
- anti-bullying action groups
- care of school grounds
- healthy role-models provided by staff
- a commitment to enhance staff health and well-being
- arrangements for the administration and storage of medication
- access to multi disciplinary specialists
- school accommodation and grounds that are appropriately lit, well-maintained and free from litter
- well-appointed recreational and social areas for staff and pupils
- attractive, hygienic eating facilities including well-supervised arrangements for the preparation and serving of food
- hygienic, easily-accessible toilets
- good indoor and outdoor sports facilities
- safe playground space, with appropriate bad weather alternatives
- appropriate disabled access and safety arrangements
- safe school transport arrangements
- encouragement of safer and active routes to school
- safe access for pedestrians and vehicles
- facilities for administration of first aid
- access to information on young people's health
- effective use of opportunities to display key health-related messages, including displays of relevant work by pupils
- strategies in place to complement what is taught in the classroom
- family involvement and participation.
Support
A health promoting school will also have procedures for:
- loss, bereavement and stress
- substance misuse
- emergency/ first aid
- medical needs
- clothing, diet, hygiene
- bullying and mental health
- isolation and social skills
- 'looked after' children and young carers
- involving parents and outside agencies
- handling sensitive information and briefing other staff on a confidential 'need to know' basis
- ensuring inclusion.
Special courses such as the following will also enhance the school's health promotion programme:
- first aid
- Heartstart (the British Heart Foundation's teaching resource)
- stress management
- personal safety programme
- cyclist and road safety training
- buddying/mentoring
- Circle Time.
Staff and pupils will be expected to be tolerant and to set a good example by:
- sharing classroom tasks
- cooperating in class groups
- respecting one another's work and play space
- accepting other's views and cultural lifestyles
- helping younger pupils to learn, socialise and play safely
- taking action on threats to health and well-being
- making responsible lifestyle choices
- representing the views of others - for example, on pupil councils.
Praise is also an effective tool in the promotion of health and well-being of staff and pupils, with reward schemes encouraging healthy lifestyles.
