Background to the scheme
The Children and Families Department has made good progress towards meeting the Scottish Government target for all schools to become health promoting. To demonstrate its commitment to promoting the health of all children, young people and families in Edinburgh, the Department has set a target in its Service Plan to extend the Health Promoting Schools scheme to all types of Children and Families establishments.
This provides a structured, focused and coherent approach to achieving positive health and wellbeing outcomes across all Departmental settings and will help all establishments to gain recognition for their achievements.
What is a health promoting establishment?
A health promoting establishment can be characterised as a setting that is constantly strengthening its capacity as a healthy environment for living, learning and working. It is not simply about encouraging children and young people to eat well and be active, but encompasses a much broader holistic approach, which includes promoting the physical, social, spiritual, mental and emotional wellbeing of everyone within the establishment.
Settings for the HPE scheme
Schools
97% of all nursery, primary, secondary and special schools across the City are currently accredited as health promoting. A significant number of those have also achieved, or are working towards, accreditation at levels 2 and 3.
Early Years
94% of Local Authority nursery schools are already accredited under the Health Promoting Schools Scheme. A working group is currently developing support materials and an accreditation approach suitable for all our Early Years establishments including Child and Family Centres and partner provider nurseries.
Community Learning and Development
CLD is currently rolling out a setting-specific scheme across all its community centres.
Residential units/secure units
A setting-specific scheme is currently being implemented. An external evaluation of the early impact of this scheme will be undertaken during the second half of 2009.
