Health-Promoting Primary School

-Automatic translation

The idea of Health-Promoting Primary Schools is based on the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion by the World Health Organization (WHO). It lists the following six basic principles:

Policy Guidelines for Health-Promoting Primary Schools

Policy guidelines are expressed in the school, both in documented material, such as the school curriculum, and in practices that promote health, improve well-being and stimulate participation. Many such standards relate to promoting health and enhancing well-being, for example, those concerning healthier diets and those intended to improve the school atmosphere.

The school environment

The school environment relates to the school buildings, schoolyard, equipment, and facilities, e.g. whether there is enough space for lively play and whether the children can do their homework and eat healthily at school. The school environment is also concerned with safety and basic comforts such as toilets and their cleanliness to prevent the spread of diseases. It is also essential that access to drinking water and clean air is good and that noise control is in order.

The social environment of the schools

The social environment of the schools depends on the relationship between staff and pupils. Communication with parents and others in the neighbourhood affects the social climate of the schools.

Pupils' health awareness and their ability to change

This applies to both formal and informal teaching at school. The pupils acquire knowledge and skills in accordance with their age and maturity and learn from experience so that they can gradually make their own decisions to improve their health and well-being and that of others around them and, at the same time, improve their academic performance.

Social relations

Social relations involve the relationship between the school and the pupils' families and the relationship between the schools and the leading institutions and social organizations in the local community. By approaching and getting these parties to cooperate, the school's health promotion work is strengthened, and pupils and staff gain support for their actions.

Health services

School children's health care is part of general health care, and its goal is to promote pupils' health and improve their well-being. The healthcare professionals at primary healthcare cooperate closely with parents and other guardians, school administrators, and teachers in promoting the pupil's health. The activities of primary healthcare are governed by laws, regulations, and recommendations that apply to it. It includes screenings, interviews on lifestyle and well-being, vaccinations, health education, and counselling for pupils, their families, and school staff.