The themes Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sports, and Wellbeing remain popular, but Media Literacy and Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Prevention are also themes that schools want to address.
The Healthy School approach has a noticeable impact on pupils and students. By teaching them to make healthy choices and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, they feel better, develop to their full potential and perform better. This contributes to their growth into healthy, vital adults. Schools play a crucial role in this and, with the right support and resources, can make a difference in the lives of their pupils and students.
Knowledge and tools for all schools
Schools that receive the incentive get advice and guidance from a Healthy School adviser and can participate in training courses, webinars and e-learning courses offered by Healthy School and its knowledge partners. New schools also receive €1,200, which can be used to employ a Healthy School coordinator, organise Healthy School activities or take the course to become a Specialist in Active and Healthy Schools.
Schools that do not receive additional (financial) support can also use the Healthy School approach to promote health and wellbeing. Iris Kummeling emphasises: "We encourage all schools to start or continue working with our approach. Healthy School advisers in every region are ready to provide advice and guidance, both for new schools and for experienced schools that want to continue developing. Our professional development programme is available to everyone, whether they are beginners or experienced schools, regardless of whether they use the scheme. There is an interesting and informative range of courses that can help you broaden and deepen your knowledge and skills. And with our new online tool ‘Getting Started’, education professionals can more easily work step by step according to the approach; the tool provides insight and inspiration for the next steps. Together, we are making work on health and wellbeing an integral part of everyday practice!"