Evaluation of the Slí@School programme
Date
2023-05Author
Lennox, Olivia
Mathur, Ruchika Tara
Maloney, Rachael
Nic Gabhainn, Saoirse
Kelly, Colette
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Recommended Citation
Lennox, Olivia, Mathur, Ruchika Tara, Maloney, Rachael, Nic Gabhainn, Saoirse, & Kelly, Colette. (2023). Evaluation of the Slí@School programme. Galway: Health Promotion Research Centre, University of Galway. https://doi.org/10.13025/gfbd-1547
Published Version
Abstract
The Slí@School programme is an adjunct programme to Slí na Sláinte, which translates to ‘path to
health’, an initiative developed by the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) to encourage walking. This study
set out to evaluate the perceived value of the Slí@School programme, to inform the IHF’s current
work programme for schools and to assist in prioritisation of health promotion programmes for the
school sector.
Data were gathered through interviews with key school staff and through participatory workshops
with students. The findings illustrate that the Slí@School programme is valued by schools and has
considerable potential for improving the health and lives of young people, as well as members of the
community. Staff were aware of the programme and branding associated with it; however, most
students did not recognise the Slí@School logo nor the phrase ‘Slí na Sláinte’. The routes were
predominately used at break and lunch times, but they were also used during class time for Physical
Education or other subjects. Notable attributes of the routes included positive impacts on physical,
mental and social health.
Barriers to the use and uptake of the Slí@School routes included poor awareness of the routes, cost
implications, and access to and accessibility of the routes. Facilitators for the programme included
existing school infrastructure, supportive management, students’ enthusiasm, cross-linkages with
other programmes and a holistic health promoting perspective to the routes. The COVID-19
pandemic provided the impetus for the Slí routes to be utilised by teachers extensively, for Physical
Education and other subject classes, and also by students of their own volition.
The Slí@School programme is valued by schools, evidenced by their engagement and investment in
the programme to date coupled with their desire and creative ideas to improve and extend the
programme.