Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) Scotland Act: Health promotion guidance for local authorities and schools

Ministerial Foreword

Our vision for Scotland is that we will live longer, healthier lives. This is one of the national outcomes set out in the Concordat with Local Government and lies at the heart of the Better Health, Better Care Action Plan. The health challenges for Scotland's young people are well-documented. We recognise the role played by health inequalities and the impact of poverty. We pursue a healthier Scotland within the context of our central purpose: to focus Government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.

I welcome the duty that I share with local authorities under the Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act to endeavour to ensure that schools are health promoting. I have been impressed by the work that has already taken place in schools across Scotland to pursue a whole school approach to health promotion. I trust that this guidance will support continuous improvement.

I am delighted that, as part of Curriculum for Excellence, release of the draft experiences and outcomes for Health and Wellbeing is taking place at the same time as the Health Promotion Guidance because they are inextricably linked. I will also shortly release a new document, Building the Curriculum 3 - a framework for learning and teaching. This document offers guidance to curriculum planners on bringing together the various elements of Curriculum for Excellence. It will make clear that one of the entitlements for all children and young people is a curriculum with a continuous focus on health and wellbeing, including beyond 15 when young people begin to work towards qualifications.

Taken together, this package will provide a comprehensive approach to developing the skills, knowledge and experience needed to support children and young people to lead healthy lives, now and in the future.

The health and wellbeing of our young people is a responsibility we all share. We have a unique opportunity to take this forward in new ways, including helping them to take responsibility for their own health. Together we can realise our vision for a healthier Scotland.

FIONA HYSLOP

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning