The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has released a new paper examining the role and impact of health and allied health initiatives in schools, as part of its ongoing focus on equity in education.
Published on 25 February, the literature review – Health and allied health initiatives in schools – Impacts on academic, wellbeing and attendance outcomes – explores how school-based health programs influence student achievement, wellbeing and attendance.
According to AERO, students from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds are disproportionately affected by health challenges. At the same time, low-SES schools report lower average academic achievement levels than their peers. The paper aims to provide policy-makers with insights into whether health and allied health initiatives can help address these disparities.
The review found evidence that some school-based programs, when delivered effectively and implemented in ways that support learning, are associated with improved student outcomes.
Among the initiatives identified, school-based health centres were associated with improved wellbeing and attendance outcomes, and may also contribute to improved academic outcomes. Counselling, psychology and therapy services were also associated with improved wellbeing and may improve academic and attendance outcomes.
However, the paper notes that effectiveness depends on several factors, including sustainable resourcing, collaboration between stakeholders and the approach taken to implementation.
With limited Australian research available in this area, the review draws primarily on relevant international studies. It highlights the need for further research in Australian contexts, including investigation into delivery models such as telehealth and whether they could improve access and outcomes for students in remote areas.
AERO CEO Jenny Donovan said the paper provides a starting point for policy discussion and future research.
“Equity in schools is crucial to improving outcomes for low-SES students, so it’s important that we analyse the difference health and allied health initiatives can make,” Dr Donovan said.
“If health professionals can reduce some of the barriers that hold students back, teachers can better focus on effective instruction and planning.
“These findings offer initial guidance, but with gaps in available research, future studies are needed to rigorously assess initiatives in Australian contexts.”
The full paper is available on AERO’s website.
