Each local scheme is responsible for supporting the development of health promoting schools within their area. The WNHSS describes a health promoting school as one which ‘actively promotes, protects and embeds the physical, mental and social health and well being of its community through positive action’. This can be achieved through policy, strategic planning, staff development, curriculum, ethos, physical environment and community relations.

The scheme supports schools to enable pupils and staff to control aspects of the school environment that influences their health, as well as formally teaching pupils about how to lead healthy lives. Schools work towards achieving excellence in whole school practice across a number of health-related topic areas including:

• Food and fitness (nutrition and physical activity)
• Mental and emotional health and wellbeing, including staff wellbeing
• Personal development and relationships, including sex and relationships education-
• Substance use and misuse, including alcohol, smoking and drug use and misuse (legal, illegal, and prescription)
• The environment, including eco-initiatives and improving the school and wider environment
• Safety, including a variety of topics such as child protection, sun safety, internet safety, and first aid
• Hygiene across school and non-school settings

To develop and embed a whole school approach to each health topic, the following aspects are addressed:

• Leadership and Communication
• Curriculum
• Ethos and Environment
• Family and Community Involvement

Local Coordinators ensure local networking, and maintain a system of monitoring and accreditation of the schools in their scheme.

On the 20th anniversary of the scheme, Vaughan Gething, Minister for Health and Social Services, Welsh Government, said:

“The Scheme has been a huge success story; take up has been phenomenal with over 99% of schools actively involved in Wales. 20 years is a significant milestone and demonstrates how vital the continued support of schools are in ensuring young people can make healthy choices. The program also supports our vision for a Healthier Wales to improve health and wellbeing with a focus on prevention.”