New standards for health and wellbeing in Welsh schools

Public Health Wales are asking for views on their new set of standards for a holistic approach to health and wellbeing in schools across Wales, as they are now in the final phase of engagement.

Public Health Wales are asking for key partners (including schools) to share their opinions on the new proposals, which are set to replace National Quality Award, the framework for health and wellbeing in schools since 2009. The newly-proposed National Standards for Health and Wellbeing Promoting Schools in Wales revolve around the core components of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, rather than pre-defined health topics, offering schools the opportunity to identify their own health priorities. 

The standards set out a baseline for schools that, over time, we can expect all schools to reach. The new standards will encourage schools to practice self-evaluation and action planning to encourage continuous development. 

There are 22 proposed standards arranged across seven core component areas: leadership, commitment and governance; understanding need and evaluating action; involvement, engagement and communication; workforce; school culture and environment; curriculum; help and support services.

Each standard will include a full description of the behaviours and practices necessary to fully embed the standard.

Public health consultant Lorna Bennett said: “We are looking forward to hearing the views of key partners, including schools. The proposed standards have been developed following an extensive period of evidence reviewing and consultation and now we really want to hear the opinions of those who will be working with the standards. Our aim is for every school in Wales to be able to embed the standards that work best for them so they can improve their school’s health and well-being outcomes.”