Family centred, school based intervention for the prevention of obesity in primary school-aged children

The aim of this pilot study was to develop, deliver and monitor a programme aimed at the prevention of obesity in primary school children. Objectives1. To develop a school-based / family-orientated intervention programme to prevent obesity in children under 10 years of age. 2. To implement an intervention programme that is acceptable and appropriate for primary school-aged children. 3. To monitor and evaluate the programme and determine if there is an appropriateintervention(s) to prevent obesity in primary school-aged children. 4. If a successful programme(s) is identified, disseminate this at a national level.

Body Weight and Eating Habits in 5-12-Year Old Irish Children

A shared goal of safefood and the Health Service Executive (HSE) is to improve the health of the Irish population. One of the greatest public health threats facing all developed countries today, including the island of Ireland, is obesity. It is crucial that the various sectors and disciplines in the country work together to successfully deal with this growing issue. The Department of Health and Children (DoHC) published a strategy for obesity in 2005 which identified children and young people as a vulnerable, at-risk group. Both safefood and the HSE recognise the growing trend towards obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits in Ireland. Both organisations have been actively engaged in addressing the obesity epidemic. A number of initiatives targeted at school-aged children have already been established. These include the ‘Little Steps’ mass media campaign (www.littlesteps.eu) – a campaign aimed at supporting parents/guardians of children, as well as various school-based initiatives and relevant training programmes for health professionals.

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools

The role of the school is to provide an appropriate education for all its pupils. A stable, secure learning environment is an essential requirement to achieve this goal. Bullying behaviour, by its very nature, undermines and dilutes the quality of education. Research shows that bullying can have short and long-term effects on the physical and mental well-being of pupils, on engagement with school, on self-confidence and on the ability to pursue ambitions and interests. School-based bullying can be positively and firmly addressed through a range of school-based measures and strategies through which all members of the school community are enabled to act effectively in dealing with this behaviour. While it is recognised that home and societal factors play a substantial role both in the cause and in the prevention of bullying, the role of the school in preventative work is also crucial and should not be underestimated. School-based initiatives can either reinforce positive efforts or help counteract unsuccessful attempts of parents to change unacceptable behaviour. Parents and pupils have a particularly important role and responsibility in helping the school to prevent and address school-based bullying behaviour and to deal with any negative impact within school of bullying behaviour that occurs elsewhere. In this document, any reference(s) to parent(s) can be taken to refer also to guardian(s) where applicable.

Prevention and Early Intervention in Children and Young People’s Services- Child Health and Development

IPH developed this report for the Centre for Effective Services (CES). The report explores learning from evaluations of 10 programmes operated as part of the Prevention and Early Intervention Initative funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and others. The report provides insights into the outcomes of prevention and early intervention initiatives relevant to early child development, school-based programmes and the integration of child services. A briefing paper is also available.