The facilitation of healthy eating in three Maltese primary state schools

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to discover how three Maltese primary state schools are facilitating healthy eating amongst Maltese children. The study sought to give a voice to a group of Year 4 primary school children, College Principals, Heads of schools, Year 4 teachers and parents to share their multiple realities about the facilitation of healthy eating in schools. In-depth data was obtained from focus groups conducted with pupils, one-to-one interviews carried out with College Principals, Heads of Schools and teachers, telephone interviews with parents and a number of observations conducted in the three respective schools. Hence, the research study sought to encompass the realities of all social actors within the school, in order to provide a rich and insightful data as regards the facilitation of healthy eating in the three state schools. On the basis of the results of this study, it can be concluded that whilst one of the schools is an example of positive practice as regards the holistic facilitation of healthy eating, the two other schools need to consider the implementation of various strategies. The development and implementation of a school food policy, the appointment of a monitoring body, the participation of parents in health-related activities and practices and the integration of healthy eating across the curriculum are some of the key measures that every school in Malta should adopt in order to develop a school environment which is conducive to health.