About the project

The aim is to gain insight into the effects of an integrated approach involving healthy school lunches, nutrition education, additional physical activities, parental involvement, and attention to inclusivity and cohesion in primary education in Utrecht.

The research will examine not only what works, but also how and why it works for schools. This knowledge will make it possible to provide well-founded advice on an effective approach that strengthens the health and development of children in primary education and contributes to reducing future health inequalities.

The evaluation follows a longitudinal mixed-methods design based on the RE-AIM framework and a jointly developed Theory of Change. The firmly established consortium brings together research, policy, and practice. Annual findings will be reported back to the participating schools and the municipality for continuous quality improvement.

The project will provide insight into what works in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, parental involvement, and social cohesion, and how interventions reinforce one another; improvements in nutrition and physical activity behaviour, well-being, and parental involvement; tools for implementation, consolidation, and scaling up; a social cost-benefit analysis; scientific publications, FAIR datasets, practical products, a monitoring tool, and recommendations for structural integration into schools and municipal policy. The approach aligns with the National Prevention Agreement, GALA, and the Health Pact.

Explanation of the pillars

Healthy nutrition and education

Daily healthy lunches and nutrition education to promote knowledge and healthy eating habits on a structural basis.

More physical activity at school

Aim for at least 60 minutes of additional physical activity per day through active lessons and outdoor play.

Active parental involvement

Strengthening the connection between school and home to extend healthy lifestyles beyond the classroom.

Overview of research phases

Year 1

Baseline measurement and the launch of integrated interventions at all 15 primary schools.

Years 2–3

Interim outcome measurements and adjustment of the approach based on experience.

Year 4

Final results and practical tools for nationwide scaling up and policy development.

Research start date: 1 May 2026. A project page will soon be available on the Utrecht University of Applied Sciences website.

Source: LinkedIn Utrecht University of Applied Sciences Research Group for Innovations in Preventive Care