is a cycle of steps to bring about desired change and guide ongoing development as a health promoting school
is flexible to accommodate the needs of all schools
should become a way of working within a school community
should be reviewed on an ongoing basis
The cycle consists of six phases shown in the diagram below.
At the centre of the diagram are the three components of the HPS framework (curriculum, teaching and learning; school organisation, ethos and environment; partnerships and services). This is a reminder to address each component at every step. (Why? Because making sure that strategies are implemented across each of the three components will ensure your schools' initiatives are comprehensive, consistent and more effective than trying to address an issue through only one component - eg curriculum.)
Schools can enter the process at any step. While it may be ideal to start by preparing the school community and creating a shared vision, this is not always possible and some schools may begin by developing an action plan for a specific issue, eg smoking.
Using the combined HPS framework and process will enable school communities to take comprehensive, practical action on key issues, and result in better health and learning for the whole school community.
