Health promoting schools model
A health promoting schools approach to managing head lice
The strategies recommended in the Head Lice in Primary Schools Kit have been developed using the Health Promoting Schools Framework. A school that takes a broad, co-ordinated, whole of school approach to the health and well being of everyone in the school community is a Health Promoting School. Health Promoting Schools is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a model of best practice for promoting health in schools in a comprehensive and co-ordinated way. It is based on the principle that optimum outcomes are more likely when multiple complementary strategies are used to address a health issue.
A range of head lice management strategies were developed using the three interrelated components of the Health Promoting Schools framework, as detailed below.
- Curriculum, teaching and learning
All teachers can promote health and well being in the classroom by incorporating current issues into their lessons in a creative way.
To assist in head lice control in the school a set of learning and teaching modules has been developed for use in the classroom.
- School organisation, ethos and environment
This is all about the 'feel' of the school. The physical environment should be safe and stimulating. The social environment should promote respectful relationships and be free from discrimination in any form. Policies and rules and management practices and communication pathways all contribute to the social environment.
The Guidelines for School Management of Head Lice, the Managing Head Lice at Home package and the nomination of a school support volunteer are ways the school can create a supportive environment.
- Partnerships and services
This component recognises the central role families play in supporting learning and contributing to the development of the school. It also recognises the contributions of other organisations that provide information, resources and services to schools.
This means providing parents with information and support. It also highlights the responsibilities of parents in detecting and treating head lice at home, as well as informing the school if the have found head lice on their child. Other important partnerships include local pharmacies that have a key role in the management of head lice as well as the school health nurse and community participation and liaison officers.
Want to know more about Health Promoting Schools?
Visit the Australian Health Promoting Schools Association website
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