Spring 2006

The first National Health Promoting Schools Network meeting of 2006 was held at Stirling Management Centre in March. The main focus for the day was the Quality Assurance Process.

Susan Duff, HM Inspector of Education, spoke about her experience of the Quality Assurance Process, raising the questions: are we making a difference; how do we know; and what is the impact?

Quality Improvement Officer Jeannie Mackenzie, East Renfrewshire Council, then outlined the role of the quality assurance officer and offered suggestions on what makes the process successful:

• relationships, trust and respect
• integrity
• practitioner-led support
• knowledge of schools
• courage
• team working
• connections with the wider environment.

Later in the day network members were given the opportunity to take part in discussion groups considering a series of questions on the quality assurance process.

School Health Profile

An update on the recently completed pilot phase of the School Health Profiling Tool was provided by Anne Lee, Programme Manager, NHS Health Scotland. She spoke about development of the tool and the work led by Julie Thomson, until recently seconded to the Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit (SHPSU) as School Health Profile Coordinator.

David Pattison of the Scottish Executive Health Department addressed the network about the development of a strategic plan for health promoting schools in Scotland and gave a national perspective of progress. He also outlined the role of the Strategic Policy Partners Group, which guides the work of the SHPSU.

SHPSU Director, Wendy Halliday, earlier welcomed network members to the meeting and provided an update on the work of the unit. Bridget Doogan, SHPSU Development Manager, led the plenary session and closed the day.