Support for schools from NICE guidance

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE www.nice.org.uk) has published a range of guidance, some of which makes recommendations relevant to schools. Topics covered include school-based interventions on alcohol, obesity, social and emotional wellbeing in primary education and atopic eczema in children.

To make it easier for head teachers, school governors and teachers to use its evidence-based guidance, NICE has produced a sign-posting document which summarises some key recommendations. The document, Schools and evidence based action - NICE recommends, is available at:

www.nice.org.uk/usingguidance/niceimplementationprogramme.

Each page provides links to the guidance via the NICE website as well as to related Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) or Department of Health guidance. A slide set describing how NICE guidance can help improve outcomes for children and young people is also available alongside the document.

School governors can use this NICE guidance to help fulfil their remit to promote wellbeing among pupils. In addition, recent NICE guidance on workplace health can help improve the general wellbeing of school staff. Future NICE guidance of interest to schools is also highlighted in the document.

Schools can also access Schools and evidence based action - NICE recommends via www.teachernet.gov.uk and the DCSF email to schools on 17th June.

For more information call Dr Tonya Gillis on 020 7045 2174 or the NICE press office on 0845 003 7782 and out of hours on 07775 583 813.

About NICE

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.

NICE produces guidance in three areas of health:

• public health – guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention of ill health for those working in the NHS, local authorities and the wider public and voluntary sector
• health technologies – guidance on the use of new and existing medicines, treatments and procedures within the NHS
• clinical practice – guidance on the appropriate treatment and care of people with specific diseases and conditions within the NHS.