New survey finds Highland pupils are ‘happy and healthy’

HIGHLAND Council has conducted a survey for the third time that provides a snapshot of young people’s lifestyles in the area.

Over 7700 pupils in their last year of primary school and second and fourth years of secondary school took part in the survey which showed the majority of children are happy, healthy and have good family and peer relationships.

A total of 85.7% pupils agreed their school was a good place to learn and improvements were noted in the uptake of school meals and good dental health habits.

Downward trends were reported in the proportion of Highland children saying they drank alcohol or used drugs or substances during the one week prior to the survey.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, chairman of Highland Council’s adult and children’s services committee, welcomed the report showing initial findings in the 2013 data and comparisons with previous surveys in 2009 and 2011.

“We are pleased the number of pupils taking part in the survey has continued to increase and we are able compare data from three surveys over a six-year period,” he said.

“Where the early indicators in the report show improvements to positive aspects of lifestyle we can celebrate the success of pupils and professionals in the school communities for achieving this.

“Further, more detailed work on the survey findings will also be scrutinised later this year to see where we can help to improve the lifestyles of our young people.”

A final report will be compiled and presented to a future meeting of the council’s education, culture and sport committee for further scrutiny.

Members agreed a multi-agency officer working group will be introduced to take forward a review of the process, questions and resources required to improve future surveys and the next one will be carried out in 2015.