A Kilkenny Post-primary School Survey: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour Relevant to Noncommunicable Disease

The Kilkenny post-primary school survey was carried out in the spring of 1987 on a stratified random sample of 445 post-primary school children in county Kilkenny. The study was designed as the basis for evaluation of the Kilkenny Health Project's school health education programme. The study examined knowledge, attitudes and behaviour relevant to non-communicable disease. The results showed that levels of adolescent alcohol and tobacco use were similar to those found in neighbouring countries. Smoking and drinking increased during adolescence and were more prevalent in males. Physical activity decreased throughout adolescence and a high intake of 'snack' foods was found. Health related knowledge levels were high but were not related to behaviour; however attitudes were found to be consistent with behaviour. These and other results are discussed. Literature relevant to school health education and the aetiology of non-communicable disease is described, with particular reference to Ireland. The evidence supporting health promotion intervention programmes against non-communicable disease is examined and WHO and Irish policies on health promotion outlined. The importance of health and disease prevention programmes commencing in youth is emphasised and the suitability and efficacy of school health education programmes are noted. A number of school health education programmes world-wide are described. The role of the community physician in relation to such programmes is discussed. Finally recommendations are made and areas for further research are made.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools - Appendix 2 Practical tips for building a positive school culture and climate

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools - Appendix 2 Practical tips for building a positive school culture and climate. Provided by the Department of Education and Skills, Ireland.

A Study of Sexual Health Issues, Attitudes and Behaviours: The Views of Early School Leavers

This research aimed to explore the sexual attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of early school leavers and how a group of young people, without the advantage of completing post-primary education, deal with the complicated issues of constructing, defining and experiencing sexual practice.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 to 2030 Progress Report: July 2013 - Sept 2014

DES has commenced a review of education in the Gaeltacht with a view to identifying options for educational provision in primary and post-primary schools in Gaeltacht areas of varying linguistic profiles as well as clarifying the Department’s policy with regard to teaching through Irish in such schools. The review will also look at the impact of pre-school provision on primary education in Gaeltacht areas. Furthermore, the review will identify support measures for teachers’ practice that would be required to improve teaching through Irish in Gaeltacht schools. This review will complement the implementation of the Gaeltacht Act 2012.

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.

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools - Appendix 1 Template anti-bullying policy

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools - Appendix 1 Template anti-bullying policy. Provided by the Department of Education and Skills, Ireland.

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools - Appendix 3 Template for recording bullying behaviour

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools - Appendix 3 Template for recording bullying behaviour. Provided by the Department of Education and Skills, Ireland.

Anti Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools - Appendix 4 Checklist for annual review of the anti-bullying policy and its implementation

The Board of Management (the Board) must undertake an annual review of the school’s anti-bullying policy and its implementation. The following checklist must be used for this purpose. The checklist is an aid to conducting this review and is not intended as an exhaustive list. In order to complete the checklist, an examination and review involving both quantitative and qualitative analysis, as appropriate across the various elements of the implementation of the school’s anti-bullying policy will be required.

Report of the Advisory Group on Post Primary Teacher Education

The occasion of this report on Teacher Education is timely. The teaching profession is now confronted with major challenges. Schooling has changed very radically in the recent past. Other review exercises of the education system have taken place and it is a time when a new legislative framework, better accommodated to the diversity of the range of duties and responsibilities of the teacher and school, is emerging. It is anticipated that the Report will stimulate debate, secure a new platform for development and provide for a framework for teacher education models which is better disposed towards the well being of the profession and the service to society it wishes to provide.

School Attendance / Truancy Report

School Attendance / Truancy Report. Provided by the Department of Education and Skills, Ireland. Schools are obliged to keep a register of the students attending the school. They must also maintain attendance records for all students and inform the Child and Family Agency's educational welfare services if a child is absent for more than 20 days in a school year.

IPH response to the Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England post 2010

IPH contributed to the Strategic Review of Health Inequalities in England being carried out by Professor Sir Michael Marmot, Chair of the Commission on the Social Determinants of Health.  IPH acknowledges the immense work done by the Review team and welcomes the opportunity to inform its work. We see the review as a vital opportunity to provide a “catalyst for concerted action” not only in England but in its near neighbours in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Health inequalities are rife across the UK and Ireland despite a range of developments in policy and practice designed to create more equal opportunities for health. We commend the approach taken in the Review, which applies scientific rigour and the combined expertise of a number of defined task groups to seek solutions to the vexing challenge of health inequality.

Interventions with Parents in the Early Years for improved health outcomes: A focus on behaviour and cognitive development/school readiness

Equity Action is a Joint Action between the EU and Member States aiming to reduce health inequalities by helping to improve policies at national and regional level and harness the contribution of stakeholders. Dr Cotter of IPH completed this literature review as part of Equity Action Work Package 6