The young@heart initiative comprises an extensive process of scientific and policy review. The major policy recommendations are brought together in a draft policy framework. This draft framework is currently under further consultation by NHF members and invited experts from a wide multidisciplinary field.

Further ideas for local action and examples of good practice that have been identified and drawn together by young@heart are shared here under the following areas, in line with the draft policy framework.

• Eradicating child poverty
• Building healthy communities
• Every school a healthy school
• Strengthening public health capacity
• A voice for children and young people
• A strategy for nutrition
• A strategy for physical activity
• A strategy to tackle smoking

The ideas listed here have not been subject to any process of evaluation by the NHF. The 'bank' - which will be included as part of the final young@heart report - is by no means exhaustive and further contributions or refinements are very welcome. Join the discussion list to add your suggestions.
 

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Involve the local community in running after school activities ­ linking schools with local clubs and related projects.

Use incentives to promote healthy menu choices from the school canteen (reward card linked to ‘traffic light’ system where more points are awarded for ‘green’ choices than ‘red’ or ‘amber’ and points can be redeemed within a school reward system or for passes to local swimming pool or leisure centre).

Use pricing systems in the school meal service which makes vegetable and fruit servings less expensive than high fat, high sugar alternatives.

Under-utilised school kitchen facilities can be used for cooking lessons.

Abandon ‘lowest bid wins’ Compulsory Competitive Tendering for catering services in schools in favour of Best Value.

Include plans for sheltered play areas in school building and refurbishment plans to encourage active play during wet weather.

Provide appropriate changing facilities for primary school children to encourage young children to participate in PE and sport without embarrassment.

Encourage purposeful active play during school playtime and breaks.

Schools can increase participation in after school activities by providing transport for pupils who cannot rely on safe transport home.

Permit flexibility on clothing worn for PE and sport so that embarrassment, stigma or discomfort are not barriers to participation.

Develop the role of school lunchtime supervisors as play organisers.

Provide organised opportunity for children’s favoured out-of-school activities in school (roller-blading, skateboarding, games they create for themselves).

Update dance options currently offered in school to reflect interests and preferences - hip-hop or salsa instead of country dancing.

Develop the physical activity potential of swimming lessons and include the current focus on survival and life-saving.

Reflect children’s different motivations for participating in physical activity and allow choices that accommodate them (team sports, individual pursuits, social games).

Recognise physical activity as part of the special education needs register so that school nurses can identify physical activity needs of children who are obese or suffer from attention deficit disorder.

Make a module on the principles of health promotion in schools a requirement in the proposed National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Involve children and young people (as junior governors) in organising physically active playtime.

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