The 'Health Promoting Schools' strategy: implications for nursing and allied health professionals

In 1993, the Commonwealth government officially recommended that schools were excellent places in which to promote better health as part of the proposed National Health Strategy. The concept of Health Promoting Schools (HPS) has recently been endorsed by the Department of Education, with the result that teachers are now expected to further expand their role and responsibilities in this area. This paper outlines a survey of infant and primary school teachers in New South Wales (n = 350) which, amongst other factors, ascertained teachers' perceptions of the assistance they needed from school and community nurses in order to effectively implement the HPS strategy. Results demonstrated that teachers have a fundamental lack of understanding of child health issues and the HPS strategy, and that an overwhelming call by teachers for assistance from the nursing profession has implications not only for nurses but also for allied health agencies and the tertiary sector.