Implementing a set of health promoting processes in English secondary schools: A comparative case study

OBJECTIVE: To understand the enablers and barriers to implementing a set of adaptive processes aimed at supporting secondary schools to reflect on and subsequently address how they could adjust school practices, culture and the environment to create a whole school approach to promoting healthy lifestyles. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative, comparative case study. METHODS: Two in depth case studies were created of two purposefully selected schools in low socio-economic areas of South West England. Data were collected via meetings, observations, field notes, interviews and audit. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Individual thematic analyses were conducted for each school and a comparative analysis approach was used to understand the barriers and enablers across both cases. RESULTS: Schools were supported to use a health-promoting lens and identify feasible improvements through an adaptive and context specific process. The school environment and ethos were identified as the areas where schools could conceive the most adjustments to enhance the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices. With the lack of government policy for health promotion in schools (HPS), the Head teacher's approach to health was key to making meaningful changes. CONCLUSIONS: Health promoting school approaches need to be adaptive to local context, actively involve community partners and link to local initiatives where possible, with support from Head teachers and business managers. Starting with what teachers, pupils and parents see as the barriers to health can create a whole school ethos for broad reaching and sustainable HPS programmes.