Wales to overhaul school health standards with new framework

Public Health Wales has launched a consultation on a new set of national standards designed to reshape how schools approach health and well-being.

The proposals mark a departure from the National Quality Award (NQA), which has been in place since 2009, replacing it with a more flexible and school-led framework that allows institutions to set their own priorities based on their needs.

The National Standards for Health and Well-being Promoting Schools in Wales focus on embedding well-being across every aspect of school life, moving away from rigid health topics and instead placing greater emphasis on leadership, workforce well-being, and school culture.

The move follows concerns that the previous framework, built around 73 indicators, was too prescriptive.

The new standards streamline this to just 22, making them more accessible for all schools.

The changes come at a time when schools in Wales are facing a range of challenges, from the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to rising living costs and ongoing education reform.

Public Health Wales says that shifting to a whole-school approach—where well-being is embedded into school governance, curriculum, and culture—will help schools develop resilience while also improving educational outcomes.

The proposed framework is designed to align with the Curriculum for Wales and the Statutory Framework on emotional and mental well-being, ensuring a consistent approach across the education system.

Dr Lorna Bennett, a public health consultant, said that the new standards had been developed following an extensive review of evidence and engagement with schools, adding that the next stage of consultation would be crucial in shaping how they work in practice.

“We really want to hear the opinions of those who will be working with them. Our aim is for every school in Wales to embed the standards that work best for them so they can improve their school’s health and well-being outcomes,” she said.

Alongside the new framework, an accreditation system is being introduced to replace the National Quality Award, which ended in March 2024.

Schools will be able to work towards three levels of recognition, starting with an initial self-evaluation phase and progressing to a fully embedded, continuously improving approach.

Schools that previously held the NQA will automatically be granted the highest level of accreditation for a period of two years.

Public Health Wales is also developing a digital tool to help schools assess their progress, track improvements, and identify areas for development.

The tool is intended to reduce the administrative burden on schools and ensure that resources are focused on implementing meaningful change rather than excessive paperwork.

With consultation open until 11 April 2025, schools and education professionals are being encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed standards, including how they align with their day-to-day experiences and what additional support might be needed.

Public Health Wales hopes the new framework will not only improve well-being among students but also create a more supportive environment for school staff, with greater emphasis on mental health and workload management.