Staff health
As part of a whole school approach to physical activity, it is important that there are opportunities for school staff as well as pupils to be active. If there is to be an active school culture throughout the school, staff need to offer positive role models for the pupils and families.
If staff are physically active, this will lead to better overall health and well-being. Positive physical activity opportunities for staff and pupils can lead to an improved ethos and culture in the school.
Programmes for staff health include the following.
- Many schools participate in Scotland's Health At Work (SHAW) award programme, which supports and encourages physical activity throughout the working day.
- Initiatives such as Health Scotland's stair walking project can be incorporated into school life, through assemblies or through curriculum projects.
- The British Heart Foundation's skipping project has also been adopted by some schools, with staff, pupils and families fundraising through physical activity.
- Active Schools coordinators will work with staff to identify their needs and offer activities such as lunchtime yoga or running clubs.
- Organisations like Jogscotland and Paths to Health can help to support new groups formed within a school; links with local swimming pools or leisure centres can also be developed to encourage staff to become more physically active.
Continuing professional development and training
There is also a need for staff to be supported through continuing professional development (CPD) and through training programmes designed to develop confidence and skills for promoting and teaching physical activity sessions.
Training such as The Class Moves!, TOP Play and TOP Sport can help encourage staff to integrate physical activity into the curriculum.
