The Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes was launched in 1999 following a four year pilot programme as part of WHO/EC/CoE initiative – European Network of Health Promoting Schools 1992.
The ‘Healthy School’ is one which takes responsibility for maintaining and promoting the health of all who ‘learn, work, play and live’ within it not only by formally teaching pupils about how to lead healthy lives but by enabling pupils and staff to take control over aspects of the school environment which influence their health.
It actively promotes, protects and embeds the physical, mental and social health and well being of its community through positive action.
This can be achieved by policy, strategic planning and staff development about its curriculum, ethos, physical environment and community relations.
Launched nationally in 2011, the Healthy and Sustainable Pre School Scheme was developed as an extension of the Welsh Network of Healthy Schools Scheme (WNHSS) and the criteria have clear parallels with the WNHSS National Quality Award.
Over 575 organisations are now involved in the scheme and any organisation who works within a pre school provision can express an interest in the scheme including:
Organisations are expected to introduce health improvement topics into four domains: Leadership & Communication; Planning & Delivery; Ethos & Environment and Family & Community Involvement over seven health topics: Nutrition and Oral Health, Physical Activity/Active Play, Mental and Emotional Health, Wellbeing and Relationships, Environment, Safety, Hygiene and Workplace Health and Wellbeing.
Document: Healthy & Sustainable Pre-School Scheme National Awards Criteria [English / Welsh]
Launched in 2015 the Healthy and Sustainable Higher Education/Further Education Framework was developed as an extension of the Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes (WNHSS) into Higher Education and Further Education settings.
The framework is split into six health topics and four aspects of college and university life. The health topics cover mental and emotional health and wellbeing, physical activity, healthy and sustainable food, substance use and misuse, personal and sexual health and relationships, sustainable environment.
The aspects of college and university life cover; governance, leadership and management; facilities, environment and service provision; community and communication; and academic, personal, social and professional development.
Documents/Links
For more information please contact:
Gemma Cox
Principal Public Health Practitioner - Educational Settings
Phone: 01792 940959
Email: Gemma.Cox@wales.nhs.uk