Public Health and the Review of the National Curriculum in Wales

(1) On 13 October, 1999 (am) the Pre 16 Education Committee will consider a report from ACAC on the National Curriculum. The problem is that public health implications have not been considered by this process.

(2) There is robust scientific evidence to show that brain function, hence intelligence, and hence educational achievement, is largely determined before birth. That is, it is dependent on the health and nutrition of the mother, embryo and foetus.

(3) Following Sir Donald Acheson's report on the 'Health of the Nation', the UK has one of the worst records of low birth weight in western Europe. Until the Government learns to address this, billions of pounds invested in education can only have limited success.

(4) We recommend that the National Assembly Health and Social Services committee consider the significance of providing young people with appropriate knowledge and skills in food preparation and cooking, as recommended in our letter to Rosemary Butler, Jane Hutt and Christine Gwyther on September 9, 1999.

Background
(5) On September 10 th, 1999 WFA wrote to Rosemary Butler, Jane Hutt, and Christine Gwyther on this significant social inclusion issue (see Appendix 1). We wonder if any Assembly Secretary had opportunity to comment upon this correspondence prior to papers being communicated to the October 13, 1999 Pre 16 committee meeting?

(6) Since this is an important aspect of the Welsh Food Alliance's support for draft World Health Organisation Food and Nutrition Action Plans, on October 4, 1999 contact was made with each of the Private Offices for Agriculture, Health, and Education, to see what progress had been made. No response has been received.

(7) On 5 October 1999, we were advised by ACAC, that the outcome of this review would be private until revealed to the Pre 16 committee. At 5.45 pm, we discussed this issue with the ACAC Chief Executive. The key point is that schools will continue to choose the materials used to deliver design and technology.

(8) Food is expensive.Therefore schools typically opt for youngsters to bring in ready prepared pizza mixes, or they use card board to deliver the food dimension to design and technology. We draw attention to this significant public health issue, that would appear to be elementary in a 'health promoting school'.

(9) Food may be included within Personal and Social Education (PSE), and nutrition within science. The question is 'does this empower young people to prepare and cook nutritious food'? Has this issue been seriously considered in the review?

(10) We believe in an integrated approach to good public health policies. This is an issue for consideration by Education and Health and Social Services, since it will affect all young people, and future families.