Health Education Policy
Rationale
Health education is an important matter for all, and consists of maintaining well-being physically, mentally and spiritually. It is important for all individuals to take responsibility for their own health, and to maintain it. Schools have a vital role to play, along with families and other agencies, in enabling children to develop this sense of responsibility. The pupils at this school come from a variety of backgrounds; most are very healthy, and the school wishes to build on this foundation.Health Education is part of a wider role of health promotion, and is part of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. As part of its promotion of health, this school accepts the nine components of Health education set out in the LEA Health Education Guidelines; namely, Substance Use and Misuse (Drugs); Sex and Relationships Education, Family Life Education, Safety, Health Related Exercise, Food and Nutrition, Personal Hygiene, Environmental Aspects and Psychological Aspects.
We are working towards accreditation with the Devon Healthy Schools Award, to fulfill the National Healthy Schools Standard. This is a joint initiative between Devon LEA and local Health Authorities. It involves taking a whole school approach to health, looking at the curriculum, policies the school environment and involving staff and pupils, as well as parents and the wider community. Back to top
Purposes
To develop positive attitudes towards health on the part of pupils and their families.To prevent occurrences of ill health by promoting responsible attitudes and behaviour among pupils and their families.
To promote accurate information, knowledge and understanding about health matters.
To clarify pupils? attitudes and values, which influence their choices in health matters.
To develop the skills necessary for healthy behaviour and lives. Back to top
Guidelines
Through the general ethos, atmosphere and relationships within the school. Valuing of individuals, practice of positive attitudes, development of co-operation and helpfulness are all aspects of general school life, which contribute towards the promotion of self-esteem, one of the most important pre-conditions for effective health education.Through the physical environment and procedures of school which are designed to promote health and safety.
Through the role models offered by adults at the school.
Through the planned curriculum of the school, where health education is identified in the planning and documentation. It is provided through (a) the topics studied in all years, where this is appropriate, (b) separate, discrete topics and events, (c) a personal and social education programme.
All pupils should have equal opportunity to gain access to and benefit from Health Education. Back to top
Methods
Health Education uses the same range of good practice in teaching and learning as other areas of the curriculum. These include information given in whole or part class groups, large and small group discussion, the use of videos, artefacts, and other audio visual aids, visiting speakers, visits out of school, individual reading, writing and investigation. Materials and methods will be differentiated wherever possible, to allow for effective learning by pupils of varying abilities. There will be a clear emphasis on the skill development of pupils, to enable them to make healthy choices.All teachers are involved in Health Education as part of their general teaching responsibilities, but it is managed and co-coordinated by a specific member of staff
The duties of the co-ordinator are:
To devise and maintain a coordinated programme for Health Education with continuity and progression built in to ensure appropriate development of skills and knowledge.
To monitor/evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.
To develop and maintain a resource base.
To receive, disseminate and update information.
To liaise with outside agencies.
To organise discrete Health Education events as appropriate.
To involve parents and the wider community in health issues.
We will work closely with
The Health Promotion Unit of the Health Authority.
The Advisory Service of the LEA.
The Youth Affairs Officer of the police service.
Other agencies on a specific basis when required.
The use of these agencies is subject to the overall aims and policy for Health Education of the school, and complements its work rather than substitutes for it. All visitors should be known and approved by the LEA. Back to top
Resources and Planning
There are a variety of centrally located teacher resource books, manuals, handbooks, as well as material contained within science, RE and PSHE resources.Policy reviewed by coordinator March 2003 Back to top