The school council is a great vehicle for whole school change. If the message comes from the pupils, parents are less likely to feel they are being dictated to by the school. This is not to say there will be no issues raised by parents, but that there is more acceptance if changes are started by the children themselves. Whatever the Healthy Eating subject or goal, preparatory meetings with the school council are required. These consist of healthy eating education, this may be a refresher of what they have been taught in class. The issue that the school would like to tackle is discussed and ideas for how to deal with this are explored. The issue and goal dictates the number of meetings leading to action or change. Schools can be fully supported by Health Promoting Schools in the delivery of these meetings and assist in the goal e.g. an event, we can start off the meetings for the school to continue or can provide advice and support for school staff to assist the school council. Examples of healthy eating issues tackled by school councils Why water is best
After a few problems with ensuring only water on desks at Longmoor Primary School, a school council meeting was arranged in January 2007. HPS delivered an education session for the school council and the pupil run newsletter ‘Nutty News’ on the sugar/acidic contents of drinks and the effects on our teeth. The school continued this work by assisting school council members to report back to the children in their class and the reporters to write an article to inform the whole school community. This helped everyone to understand why the school only allows water on desks. Safer snacking
In spring/summer term 2007 Bradwell Junior School asked their school council for assistance in developing the healthy snack policy. Supported by HPS the school council heard the views of the parents through a pupil designed questionnaire and presented an interactive assembly informing the school of the changes. Lunchbox workshops
Several school councils have run practical lunchbox workshops for parents and their children. Designed and delivered by school council representatives in both infant, junior and primary schools, the workshops help parents understand a balanced lunchbox and allow their children to try new foods in a safe, fun and encouraging environment. Skipping meals
Dronfield Henry Fanshawe Secondary School council piloted a PSHE lesson on healthy eating and the impact of skipping meals in Summer 2007. An issue decided by the school council as relevant to their school and thought best to be delivered as a lesson. The year 8, 9 and 10 lessons facilitated by school council representatives were interactive, fun and well received. To find out more about school council work on healthy eating, or to discuss your needs please contact:
Jo Knight, Health Promoting Schools Adviser
Tel: 01246 514285 Mobile:07768252442
jo.knight@derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk
|