Better schools through health: learning from practice

4. THE WELSH NETWORK OF HEALTHY SCHOOL SCHEMES -NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDLynne PerryNational Public Health Service for WalesBackgroundThe Welsh Network of Healthy School Schemes (WNHSS) was launched in September1999 to encourage the development of local healthy school schemes within a nationalframework. The Welsh Assembly Government has provided funding and guidance forlocal healthy school schemes in all areas of Wales. Currently 1712 schools (91%) areactively involved in the WNHSS.The WNHSS was set up with clearly defined national and local responsibilities.Initial guidance was provided for the first 3 phases (usually one year per phase) andsubsequently for beyond phase 3 (usually 2 years per phase).A high percentage of schools are working through the phases and a number haveachieved Phase 5.The aim of the new National Quality Award is to develop consistent assessment criteriafor Wales to recognise high standards and achievements in promoting and embeddinghealth in schools involved in the scheme for at least 9 years.Developing the National Quality AwardA small working party which included local coordinators and the national lead wasset up to identify the key themes and develop the criteria ensuring good links with allWales strategies and frameworks and incorporating all the principles of school healthpromotion.The award criteria has been developed around 7 health aspects:••••••••••••••Food & fitnessEnvironmentPersonal development & relationshipsSafetyMental & emotional health & well-beingHygieneSubstance use & misuseEach aspect has indicators under 4 headings:••••••••Leadership and communication,curriculum,Ethos and environment,Family and community involvement.At each stage of development local coordinators were consulted for their views.The pilotThe new assessment tool was developed and piloted in 3 schools, one secondary school28