Partners Policy and Strategy Group

The work of the Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit and the development of health promoting schools in Scotland are directed by a Partners Policy and Strategy Group.

The group is chaired by a director of education and has representatives from:

• the Scottish Executive Health and Education Departments
• NHS Health Scotland
• Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
• Learning and Teaching Scotland
• HM Inspectorate of Education
• Sportscotland
• Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit.

Strategic plan

The strategic partners have worked together to produce 'Health Promoting Schools in Scotland: a partnership approach – Strategic Plan 2006 -2008'. The plan identifies four strategic functions of the partnership.

1. To ensure effective leadership and direction through a coherent national approach to policy making and implementation of the health promoting schools agenda in Scotland.
2. To provide cohesive guidance and support to local and regional partners in achieving the 2007 target and ensuring sustainability of the health promoting school approach.
3. To build capacity for health promoting school development at national, regional and local levels.
4. To ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of health promoting schools development at national, regional and local levels.

In particular the partnership will work together to:

• develop coherent and sustainable approaches to health promoting schools through A Curriculum for Excellence and Ambitious, Excellent Schools
• shape future agendas in respect of health promoting schools
• share good health promoting schools practice
• support health promoting school networks and communicate with stakeholders
• develop the health promoting school workforce
• monitor and evaluate the impact of health promoting schools
• develop, maintain and utilise the evidence base for health promoting.