Support for Healthy Primary Schools
The following are examples taken from the documents that schools receive when taking part in the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire survey. Over 600,000 pupils in primary and secondary schools have taken part in the survey over the past twenty-five years. The data provides schools and local authorities with reliable data to support programme planning to develop healthy communities. View this PDF (310kb) for further examples showing data about Food & Nutrition, After School Activities, Exercise, Growing up and Worries.
Early roots of health
The primary-school version of the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire (HRBQ) was introduced in 1988 after many requests by primary school teachers for an enquiry instrument similar to that available in secondary schools, but appropriate to the primary school age range. It is well known that several important health-related issues (such as diet, physical activity, self-esteem, drinking and smoking) have their roots in the early years. Primary-school children are often highly receptive to ideas presented by their teachers. However, the staff may have little idea where intervention is needed and at what age it is most appropriate. Introducing the questionnaire also raises interest in the topics and can begin to generate a health education agenda even before the results are returned.
Pupils describe what they do at home, at school, and at play
The primary-school HRBQ is now in its 11th version, having gone through a process of evolution and thorough scrutiny from teaching and medical professionals alike, similar to that received by the secondary-school version.
A cohort study
Pupils aged 7-11 anonymously complete the questionnaire in school. It consists of roughly 50 questions within 12 short sections The questionnaire has been used by groups of schools supported by LEA, PCT or other funding partners. Collective study of the results by teachers from the schools is particularly valuable, and repeated surveys can track trends and changes. Many of the questions are directly compatible with those in the secondary school version. This makes possible a unique longitudinal study, whilst maintaining continuity of the data across the primary-secondary age ranges.
Why should my school take part?
The questions contained in the questionnaire can provide valuable baseline information for schools embarking on their audit for the National Healthy Schools Scheme or for prioritising their resources as they go through the process.
Who is involved?
Year 4 - Year 6 pupils Should take easily less than an hour for most Year 6 primary pupils, teachers may want to read out the questionnaire to the younger or less able pupils It is enjoyable for pupils and an opportunity for them to think about their own health It is an opportunity for schools to work more closely with PCT and other agencies
What does it look like?
Early roots of health
The primary-school version of the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire (HRBQ) was introduced in 1988 after many requests by primary school teachers for an enquiry instrument similar to that available in secondary schools, but appropriate to the primary school age range. It is well known that several important health-related issues (such as diet, physical activity, self-esteem, drinking and smoking) have their roots in the early years. Primary-school children are often highly receptive to ideas presented by their teachers. However, the staff may have little idea where intervention is needed and at what age it is most appropriate. Introducing the questionnaire also raises interest in the topics and can begin to generate a health education agenda even before the results are returned.
Pupils describe what they do at home, at school, and at play
The primary-school HRBQ is now in its 11th version, having gone through a process of evolution and thorough scrutiny from teaching and medical professionals alike, similar to that received by the secondary-school version.
A cohort study
Pupils aged 7-11 anonymously complete the questionnaire in school. It consists of roughly 50 questions within 12 short sections The questionnaire has been used by groups of schools supported by LEA, PCT or other funding partners. Collective study of the results by teachers from the schools is particularly valuable, and repeated surveys can track trends and changes. Many of the questions are directly compatible with those in the secondary school version. This makes possible a unique longitudinal study, whilst maintaining continuity of the data across the primary-secondary age ranges.
Why should my school take part?
The questions contained in the questionnaire can provide valuable baseline information for schools embarking on their audit for the National Healthy Schools Scheme or for prioritising their resources as they go through the process.
Who is involved?
Year 4 - Year 6 pupils Should take easily less than an hour for most Year 6 primary pupils, teachers may want to read out the questionnaire to the younger or less able pupils It is enjoyable for pupils and an opportunity for them to think about their own health It is an opportunity for schools to work more closely with PCT and other agencies
What does it look like?