WHO INFORMATION SERIES ON SCHOOL HEALTH ... - PAHO/WHO

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A health supportive school environment:
Promoting Physical Activity in Schools
Ensure safe walking and cycling on the way to school.
Provide bike storage facilities.
Provide facilities and equipment for physical activity.
Ensure safety for active transport to and from school.
Ensure adequate safety precautions to prevent physical activity injuries and illness.
Skills-based health education:
Provide knowledge on the physical, psychological and social health benefits of physical activity.
Help students develop positive attitudes about physical activity by emphasising the enjoyment
rather than competitiveness of physical activity.
Encourage students to develop physical fitness, i.e. high levels of flexibility, strength, endurance
and coordination, including motor skills.
Provide road- and other types of safety training.
Diet and nutrition:
Encourage students to consume and provide them with healthy, nutritious foods.
Allow adequate time for eating as well as for recess.
Discourage students from eating junk foods.
Health services:
Monitor and assess physical activity levels and fitness.
Collect medical information from students and parents that is relevant to participation in
physical activity.
Make recommendations on physical activity for students with disorders or disabilities.
Health promotion for school staff:
Promote health benefits of physical activity to school staff.
Provide school staff with opportunities to be physically active with colleagues.
Training teachers and other school personnel:
Provide teachers with adequate, regular and appropriate training to ensure safety and quality of
physical activity programmes.
Involving the community and families:
Ensure that family and relevant community members can take part in planning and decision
making.
Provide opportunities for family and community members to advocate for and participate
in activities and services offered through schools.
Seek support and resources from family and relevant community members.
WHO Information Series on School Health