Food & Health Alliance

Positive Plat Times (PTT) was developed to improve ‘play time’ by teaching Primary 6 and 7 pupils how to lead, organize and monitor younger children participating in playground games. The outcomes of the Programme; however, extend well beyond the benefits associated with play itself to include issues such as enhancing confidence, social and personal development, bullying and isolation. Indeed, PPT has been found to be compatible with the aims, objectives and targets identified within a range of strategies, policy documents and reports pertaining to educational provision, health improvement, physical activity, social inclusion, sport literature.

The evaluation has shown that the ultimate goal of embedding PPT in the school ethos is achievable. This outcome is, however, dependent upon a number of factors and without the required level of support the sustainability of the Programme is threatened. Factors found to influence sustainability included the level of commitment shown by the school, continuity of trained staff, support from head teachers and external professionals and the maintenance of interest by the trained pupils. It was also noted that the barriers to effective programme implementation appeared to be greater in schools that were likely to have more health inequalities and where pupils’ required greater support in achieving their potential.