Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not listed on this page, please feel free to e-mail the team and we will make sure that we get back to you, plus we will post the answer on the site for other schools to see.
Email us with your question! Health.Schools-Admin@kirklees.nhs.uk
Why should we become a healthy school?
There are many benefits of working towards Healthy Schools Status. With more than 97% of Kirklees schools engaged in the process - why should you miss out?
- OFSTED are increasingly looking to see how schools are supporting the health and welfare of pupils. Healthy Schools provides excellent evidence towards this and is cross referenced with your SEF.
- Evidence shows that if pupils are happy and healthy they are more likely to achieve academic success.
- Healthy Schools involves the whole school community and is a great way to get everyone in school involved and engaged in health and healthy behaviours.
- You will have access to a number of specialists within the NHS and Kirklees Learning who can support you in relation to all four Healthy Schools themes.
- The Healthy Schools audit is a great school improvement tool and can help your school to recognise good practice as well as identify areas for development.
- A healthy school has more effective liaison with parents and carers
- Children and young people in healthy schools report a range of positive behaviours such as diminished fear of bullying and a reduced likelihood of using illegal drugs.
- A healthy school has more effective liaison between home and school, and school and external support agencies.
- Healthy schools are making improvements at a rate faster than schools nationally, in a number of ways, including the quality of personal, social and health and citizenship education (PSHCE) programme, management of behaviour and support of children and young people.
- A healthy school is one where children and young people achieve the outcomes within the Every Child Matters framework.
Does it cost the school anything to get involved in Healthy Schools?
No it doesn't cost anything to work on Healthy Schools.
Is there any funding available to work on Healthy Schools?
Not as a rule but any funding opportunities available will be advertised on the website or in the newsletter.
How long does the process take?
There is no minimum or maximum amount of time, schools can work at their own pace.
What are the qualitative and quantitative outcomes that I need to provide?
For each theme, schools are required to provide a qualitative and quantitative outcome, which evidences the impact which the Healthy Schools process has had on your school. For more information on this, please click here
What is the whole school approach?
The whole school approach is central to achieving Healthy Schools Status. Every school will have a Healthy Schools lead who will co-ordinate the process, but it is essential that a cross section of the school is involved and consulted on any decisions made. This includes children and young people, staff, parents, carers and external agencies who support health in your school.
Is this going to mean lots of extra work?
Schools will find that they are already doing a lot of the work required for Healthy Schools. The health in schools team can put in place any extra support you need and then we can help you to put your evidence on line.
What support will I get?
- Access to Twilight sessions run by the Kirklees Health in Schools team where you can receive support to enter evidence towards your Healthy Schools status on the national website.
- Policy development and consultation.
- Practical tips and advice on the new Healthy Schools website and on line audit (www.healthyschools.gov.uk)
- Access and referrals to other key agencies and partners.
- Specialist support for your PSHCE, healthy eating, physical activity or emotional health and wellbeing development.