Health and Wellbeing Census 2021/22

15904

02/12/2021

FOI

1.       What correspondence has the local authority had with the Scottish Government in relation to the 2021/22 School Health and Wellbeing Census between 19 February 2020 and 02 December 2021? 2.       Will the local authority be using the questions provided by the Scottish Government for P5 and S4 2021/22 Health and Wellbeing Census?
3.       If the local authority is not using the 2021/22 Health and Wellbeing Census questions provided by the Scottish Government, is the local authority asking the Scottish Government to amend the questions or will they be amending the questions themselves?

4.       Will the local authority be publishing the 2021/22 Health and Wellbeing Census online so that parents can view the final set of questions that is being asked of the school children?

1. Scottish Borders Council representatives have had fortnightly teams meeting with Scottish Government since August 2021. This have enable discussion around the technical aspects of administrating the census.

2. The HWB Census is not a single survey for all children and young people. A set of separate questionnaires, for children and young people in P5 to S6, asking age appropriate questions relevant to each stage, have been developed by representatives and experts from across academia, public health, local authorities and schools. These questionnaires have also been ethically approved by independent researchers within the Scottish Government.
In the New Year Scottish Borders will be looking at the questions available for each year group and will decide which questions will be used. These decisions will be taken in conjunction with key stakeholders.

3. It is hoped Scottish Borders is able to use the Scottish Government census next term but this will depend on the completion of DPIA initially, followed by agreement on questions followed by delivery of survey and analysis. Work is on-going with this with officers currently liaising with director of education and lifelong learning.

4. The evidence provided by the census will ensure local and national priorities can continue to be aligned, and actions can be streamlined to priorities. It will also support schools and education authorities to identify issues children and young people are concerned about and to tailor their learning in PSE, and their advice and support services accordingly.
Within Scottish Borders, once the information has been analysed this information will be shared with schools and discussions with parents will take place in particular with a focus on School Improvement Plans for the next session.

Health and Wellbeing Census 2021/22 - Freedom of information requests