Public health

The Public Health Schools Programme helps schools and colleges in West Sussex support the health and wellbeing of children and young people. We also work with parents, carers and school staff to help create healthy school communities.

We work with partners to use the latest information and research. Together, we run programmes, campaigns and services that help people stay healthy and reduce health differences between communities.

The programme includes the West Sussex School Health Check. This survey asks students aged 8 to 18 about their health and wellbeing. The results help us understand local needs and give schools the right support.

We support schools and colleges in many areas of health and wellbeing, including:

• mental health and emotional wellbeing
• healthy eating and nutrition
• physical activity
• oral health
• healthy relationships and sexual health
• protection from illness and infection
• drugs and alcohol awareness
• smoking and vaping

The West Sussex Public Health team also provides the Healthy Child Programme, which includes the School Nursing Service.

Find out more on the Public Health page on West Sussex Services for Education.