An inclusive and positive ethos is vital to health promoting schools but what exactly is ethos?
Ethos is the overall feeling and nature of a school. This includes the atmosphere in the school, relationships between pupils, staff, families and the wider community, the school building and grounds, the sense of welcome and positive learning in the classroom.
A health promoting school ethos
- Takes care of individuals, is fair and promotes respect for self, others, the wider community and the environment.
- Promotes a sense of responsibility in individuals for their own actions, health-related behaviour and lifestyles.
- Encourages and empowers pupils and staff to give of their best and to build on their achievements.
In a health promoting school with an inclusive and positive ethos:
- everyone is cared for and valued
- there is a strong sense of community
- pupils feel safe and secure
- there is good support for pupils and staff
- good relationships exist between and among pupils and staff
- everyone is treated with respect, fairness and equality
- pupils have a sense of responsibility for their own learning and health
- all pupils and staff have high but realistic expectations
- success is celebrated
- everyone enjoys going every day.
