Joined-up thinking in theory and practice: the case of healthy schools?

This article provides a critical analysis of recent policy initiatives associated with ‘Healthy Schools’. Its specific focus is upon evaluation research conducted by the authors at the School of Education, University of Leicester. The evaluation team investigated healthy school programmes in two Midlands authorities as they related to anticipated accreditation for the National Healthy School Standard (NHSS). Analysis is of findings that sought to identify the most effective approaches for supporting schools and colleges to achieve healthy school status. A specific focus is upon schools' capacity, and those of the health and educational professionals with whom they work, to meet the myriad expectations that are part of the standard. The ‘Healthy School’ is seen as a critical case where connections between health and education are expected to mirror government department interests in ‘joined-up’ thinking, evaluation strategies and concerns about accountability and performance among schools and local authori...