Healthy living

Health and Wellbeing at the Heart of Learning in Highland

All schools in Highland are 'Health Promoting Schools' and aim to create the very best environments for learning by placing 'Health and Wellbeing' as a priority along with Literacy and Numeracy. Health and Wellbeing is the responsibility of all members of the school community as well as a taught subject.

Through adhering to the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act Highland schools provide the healthiest meal options for pupils and continue to build on their Health Promoting Schools status. Highland schools are also now embedding Health and Wellbeing approaches through the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence which will ensure that children and young people develop the knowledge, understanding and skills which they need now and in the future. A team of Highland teaching staff, Health and Wellbeing Subject Supporters, Education Officers and Health Promoting Schools staff provide curriculum support and have also produced guidance materials for professionals on the very best learning and teaching materials.

Training on Health and Wellbeing topics is provided for any professional working with children or young people free of charge. Information and resources are available through a dedicated Highland Health and Wellbeing GLOW (the schools digital intranet) Group online or through the Health Information Resources Services www.healthyhighlanders.org.uk

Your Choice to Healthy Living

In Highland, the ‘Your Choice to Healthy Living’ initiative provides a framework for effective partnership working and joint planning for improving Health and Wellbeing in our communities. ‘Your Choice’ has an active ‘Health Action Group’ affectionately known as the 'HAG' in which members from a wide range of agencies can learn, share and collaborate to improve the Health and Wellbeing of all.

The Your Choice Implementation Plan demonstrates the innovative improvements that are being made to services and opportunities within Highland communities. Examples include the low-cost award winning 'High Life' scheme, community library iniatives, school meals and the adoption of key strategic plans such as the NHS Highland led 'Healthy Weight Strategy'. The Your Choice Implementation Plan is  continuously updated and the latest version is available in the Current Documents section.

The HAG have also produced guidance sheets to assist school communities in adhering to nutritional requirements. They are easy to use and encourage schools to think about what can be sold within the morning break, other food provided within the school and the ethos of food as a reward.

• Guidance for School Snacks - designed to offer extra clarity and practical suggestions for mid morning break in primary and secondary schools.
  
• Guidance for Healthier Home Baking - this guidance offers help to home cooks, school caterers and pupils to improve the nutritional value of home baking.
  
• Guidance for Food for Celebrations - foods available at mid morning break and lunch time must now meet national nutritional standards.  This guidance encourages schools to follow similar principles at social and cultural events which might include school trips, discos, summer fetes, sports days and other special events.