Whole-of-school approach to the promotion of physical activity: using research, policy and practice to understand system’s needs and structures

Gareth WilliamsNews

If you have not already read this document then its key messages are very important to all schools. Follow the link  https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2025-12499-52273-80389

The summary recommendations are

  1. Frame whole-of-school provision through the perspective of how it impacts, or is influenced by, people’s physical activity choices and behaviours rather than applying a narrow focus, such as sport.
  2. Rebalance the curriculum to increase the focus on holistic child development and place a stronger emphasis on health and well-being.
  3. Develop accountability systems to establish good practices and reward schools that promote the health and well-being of their students.
  4. Establish authentic and sustained cross government ministry leadership to facilitate longer-term planning.
  5. Understand how education and physical activity systems work and how factors influencing them vary across different contexts.
  6. Review commitment to invest in and implement whole-of-school physical activity provision.
  7. Increase the knowledge and skills of school and wider system partners at all levels to design and implement whole-of school physical activity.