Ofsted’s publication Healthy Schools, Healthy Children (July 2006) found that the majority of schools do make a positive contribution to the health and well being of pupils, young people.
The report was under pinned by the 5 key objectives from the DfES Healthy Living Blue print for schools and the National Healthy Schools Programme Criteria.
The schools that were most successful were those in which theory and practice were closely related.
Schools which had fruit and vegetable schemes in place and ensured 2 hours of physical activity each week were found to have a particularly positive impact on health.
Other initiatives commended included:-
Providing guidelines for parents on healthy lunches.
Endorsing out of school physical activities.
Enabling “Healthy School� groups where staff, pupils, parent governors and health partners plan jointly.
Using the visual and performing arts creatively to communicate health related messages.
• PSHE was found to play a positive role in promoting pupils and parents more closely to promote healthier lifestyle.
• Setting clear learning objectives for PSHE and using QCA guidance for the purpose of Assessment.
• Ensuring that by 2010 that all pupils have 2 hours of high quality physical education per week supplemented by extra hours of sport and physical activity.
Links with PESCL Strategy – local School Sports Partnerships)
Recognising the importance and value of external environments to promote healthier lifestyles.
To co-ordinate the primary-secondary transition to emphasise curricular messages about healthy living.
For further information visit:
www.ofsted.gov.uk
http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk
www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk