National Healthy Schools Programme

National Healthy Schools Programme

The National Healthy Schools Programme (NHSP) was a joint initiative between the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills in England. Launched in 1999, the programme aimed to provide a framework to support the health, well-being, and education of children and young people. The NHSP set out to enhance the health and well-being of pupils and staff through a well-coordinated whole school approach, thereby improving the effectiveness of schools to provide a solid foundation for learning.

Overview

The National Healthy Schools Programme sought to encourage schools to develop an environment that promotes the physical, emotional, and educational development of its students. It focused on four main themes:

• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), including sex education, drug education, smoking and alcohol education, and mental health and well-being.
• Healthy Eating, which aimed to promote the benefits of a balanced diet and ensure that food provided by schools meets certain nutritional standards.
• Physical Activity, encouraging children to engage in regular physical activity to improve their health and prevent obesity.
• Emotional Well-being and Mental Health, focusing on the importance of emotional support and the development of a positive self-image among students.

Criteria for Achievement

To achieve National Healthy School Status, schools had to meet specific criteria in each of the four themes. This involved developing policies, practices, and an environment that promoted health and well-being. Schools were required to undergo a self-evaluation process and submit evidence of their work in promoting health education and healthy lifestyle choices among their students.

Impact

Research and evaluations of the National Healthy Schools Programme indicated positive outcomes in various areas, including improvements in pupils' health, behavior, and attendance. The programme also highlighted the importance of a whole school approach to health and well-being, showing that effective health education can contribute to the overall educational achievements of students.

Legacy

Although the National Healthy Schools Programme officially ended in 2011, its principles and objectives continue to influence school health policies and practices in England. Many schools still use the framework provided by the NHSP to guide their health and well-being initiatives. The programme's emphasis on a whole school approach to health promotion has been integrated into newer initiatives and policies aimed at improving children's health and well-being in the educational setting.

See Also

• Health education
• School meal
• Physical education
• Well-being