Population Health and Strategic Direction
Centre for Population Health - Projects
Schools Partnership
Rationale:
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SWAHS covers 427 primary and secondary, government
and non government schools
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In 2004, there were 188,660 school student enrolments
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Relative to the 2001 ABS census, in 2004 the school
student population in the SWAHS constituted approximately 18% of the
total population.
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A significant body of evidence affirms that a range
of debilitating diseases can be prevented if people acquire protective
health behaviours in childhood.
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Schools provide a readily available setting to engage
large numbers of young people, at multiple levels, to promote positive
health attitudes & behaviours.
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Schools also provide access points through which
to engage parents and guardians who provide the greatest influence
on young people.
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Schools have been shown to have a major protective
influence across a wide range of health issues for young people [1].
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From international to state initiatives it is widely
recognised that, “..changes in population health and health
behaviour are more likely when supported by changes in the environment,
public policy, community support & community action” [2].
To this end, schools are comparatively independent and malleable organisations
which permit pro-active & beneficial change in a relatively discrete
setting.
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Indeed, the NHMRC advocates health programs in schools
be based on the interconnectedness of health & behaviour, as these
are more effective than one off, isolated education sessions [3].
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Existing formal and informal channels already exist
in schools with which to develop more comprehensive, integrated &
holistic health education, if used with greater precision & more
closely supported by other sectors & services.
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As many as 14% of schools in SWAHS are located in
communities with poor health indicators, increasing the demand on
services and thereby intensifying the need for greater collaboration
and co-operation between the health & education sectors.
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An area wide School Partnership Committee in Sydney
West will
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Strengthen the support for state and federal,
school based health initiatives
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Facilitate greater collaboration and co-operation
between the health & education sector
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Provide a mechanism through which resources
& capacity can be mobilised to meet identified health
issue
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Resnick M, Bearman P., et al., (1997) Protecting adolescents from
harm: Findings from the national longitudinal study on adolescent health.
JAMA 1997 Sept., 278(10): 823-832
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NSW Department of Health, Health Promotion with Schools, a policy
for the health system (October 2000), 4.
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National Health and Medical Research Council, Health Advancement
Standing Committee (1996), Effective School Health Promotion, towards
health promoting schools. Commonwealth Department of Heath & Family
Services, Canberra
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Establish and maintain a population health Schools
Partnership Committee, to include representation from Health and
Schools.
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Develop, implement and evaluate a population health
Schools Partnership Action Plan.
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Support state and federal Health priorities relating
to schools, by establishing partnerships, facilitating links and
extending programs.
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Contribute to evidence on population health of
young children by implementing, in collaboration with partner organisations,
the Australian Early Development Index.
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Identify opportunities within existing health related
school programs to address special or high need groups for greater
health equity.
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Advocate for better policy on significant health
issues, and facilitate community awareness of successful and innovative
healthy school activities.
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In addition to other state and federal key documents
and initiatives, the area School Partnership supports the
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Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Curriculum & Crossroads (2001)
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NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy (2004)
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NSW Health & Equity statement (2004)
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Health Promotion with Schools (2000)
