Points to consider

These points are based on the indicators in How good is our school: the Health Promoting School (HMIE 2004)

Working with parents

• Does the school involve parents in discussion on their children’s development and learning in relation to health and healthier lifestyles?
• Are parents invited to contribute ideas towards the school’s approaches to health education and health promotion?
• Are parents invited to take active part in developing the school’s health programme?
• Does the school’s approach encourage parents to think about their own health and fitness?
• Are there effective processes in place for working with other agencies to ensure pupils with additional support needs are prepared for healthy, independent living on leaving school?
• How does the school work with vulnerable families and help them access support services?
• Many education authorities have Health Promoting Schools accreditation schemes in place and parental involvement is a core aspect of these frameworks. For further information contact your National Health Promoting Schools Network member. Contact details are available from the HPS website.      

Working with partner agencies

• To what extent are partner services involved in contributing to school health policies and promotion?
• To what extent are partner services involved in helping deliver and support activities related to health education and promotion?      

Some other points to consider

• To what extent are children involved in discussing and identifying their learning in relation to health and fitness?
• Does health education take account of the needs of young people from different ethnic, social, religious and cultural backgrounds?
• To what extent do extra curricular activities foster health and wellbeing?
• Are there opportunities for children and young people to share concerns with an adult they trust, or with peers? Can they access support if they need it? 

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