Results of “Lifeskills” Survey 2012 published by the DepartmentThe Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., today announced that he will be advising schools on the appropriate use of vending machines in order to promote healthy eating.
His department in conjunction with the Department of Health, and other key stakeholders, are developing guidelines on the best way for schools to promote healthy eating, especially when there is a school shop or vending machines.
This move follows the publication of the second “Lifeskills” Survey, which was conducted in 2012. The survey provides data on a number of ‘lifeskills’ related issues in primary and post primary schools, including physical activity and healthy eating. The first Lifeskills Survey was conducted in 2009.
Some of the positive findings emerging from the survey include the role that schools are playing in the “Healthy Ireland” agenda, through the promotion of healthy eating initiatives at primary level and the continued dedication of many teachers in supporting pupils in physical activity outside of school hours, even where this is not a mandatory requirement.
There is also evidence of an improvement since the first Lifeskills Survey in 2009 with regard to the implementation of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools, as well as the continued positive engagement by respondent schools in the important areas of child protection, anti-bullying and substance use. 99% of all schools report they have an anti-bullying policy in place and that their students know what to do in the event of a bullying incident occurring.
However, the survey also highlighted some areas of concern. These include the prominence of vending machines that sell ‘junk’ food, rather than healthy alternatives in a significant cohort of post-primary schools, and the need for more positive engagement by some schools with the ‘Health Promoting Schools’ initiative which is promoted by the Department of Health/HSE.
“The vast majority of our primary schools are doing great work when it comes to promoting healthy eating during the school day and these efforts are vital in our efforts to tackle the growing problem of obesity. I would like to see this good work continue into the post-primary sector,” said Minister Quinn.
“While I cannot dictate what food or junk foods schools sell through vending machines, I believe we can work together to also include healthy alternatives and the right information so that young people can make informed choices. I intend to issue advice to schools via a circular shortly.”
The survey also highlights that the vast majority of post primary schools are reporting that they are not meeting the recommended time allocation of two hours per week for P.E. with more than 90% in junior and senior cycle not meeting the recommended two hours.
Work is being undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in relation to the development of new specifications for P.E. at both junior and senior cycle.
A new junior cycle short course in P.E. will be available to schools from September 2014. At senior cycle, Leaving Certificate P.E. is being developed as a full subject, while Senior Cycle P.E. is being designed to provide schools with a framework within which they can design a P.E. programme for those students who do not choose to take P.E. as part of their Leaving Certificate.
“The results from the 2012 Lifeskills Survey highlight the positive work that is being undertaken in many schools towards equipping students with the essential lifeskills that will enable them to live healthily and to cope with the many demands and pressures they may face both within and outside of the education system,” the Minister concluded.
The Lifeskills survey received an overall response rate of 68% at primary level and 52% at post-primary. It should be noted that the data collected is quantitative.
The Minister concluded by thanking schools for their cooperation with this survey.
The next Lifeskills survey is scheduled for 2015. This survey is expected to include some mechanism for capturing student feedback.
The Lifeskills survey is available on the Department’s website at:
http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Education-Reports/Results-of-the-Department-of-Education-and-Skills-%E2%80%98Lifeskills%E2%80%99-Survey-2012.pdf