Pre-validation

Schools are individually responsible for deciding when they are ready to self-validate. Evidence should be reviewed to ensure that you are meeting each of the Healthy Schools criteria in all four themes and 100% of the minimum evidence. Go through the national audit tool (January 2007) Microsoft Word 578kb (Word, 577 KB) and identify if there are any ‘gaps’ that need to be worked on before the pre-validation visit. Book a date for your pre-validation visit. A pre self-validation supporter(PSVS) will be assigned and will make contact with you by telephone, and confirm arrangements for the pre-validation visit by letter and/or e-mail.

Note: you can book a pre-validation support visit at any time. Some schools like to leave it until they are almost ready to apply for Healthy Schools status, others may prefer to access support to help them identify areas for development so will book their visit two or three months before they intend to put forward their submission for Healthy Schools status.
Pre self-validation/pre self-revalidation visit request (Word, 348 KB)

One week before the scheduled pre-validation date, you will need to forward the following by e-mail to your pre self-validation supporter (PSVS):

proposed timetable for the visit, eg: pupil assembly, tour of the school, meeting with school council. (You should allow an hour or so for contact with pupils and a further hour/hour and a half, for looking at the evidence and discussions.)
your completed self-review tool.

This will enable your pre self-validation supporter (PSVS) to prepare for your visit and bring to your attention any relevant information or issues you may need to address beforehand.

One particular area that historically tends to raise a high level of queries is policies. There are key policies that are relevant to gaining Healthy Schools status which, for your convenience, are listed below:

personal; social and health education (PSHE)
confidentiality
sex and relationships education
drugs education
managing drugs-related incidents
anti-bullying
child protection [safeguarding children]
physical activity
food (healthy eating)
behaviour and rewards
engagement of external visitors.

What is essential is that they should be current (no more than two years old and preferably annually reviewed), reflect the views of the whole school community (wide consultation is essential) and be effectively circulated to ensure common understanding. Note: as from January 2007, policies in draft are no longer sufficient in order to achieve Healthy Schools status.

Outcome of the pre self-validation support visit

At the end of your visit your pre self-validation supporter (PSVS) will advise you as to whether you are 'ready' to forward your self-validation form (SVF)/top sheet submission form which supports your application for validation or they will advise you as to what actions you need to carry out before you submit your self-validation form (SVF)/top sheet submission form.