National Outcome 5

NO05 – Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed

LO5A Improve the healthy development of young children and their families, particularly those children most at risk

Measure

Performance

Note

Proportion of new-born children exclusively breastfed at 6-8 weeks

Exclusive breastfeeding rates in Aberdeen City have increased from 33.8% in 2006 to 37.9% in 2008 and exceed the Health, Efficiency, Access, Treatment (HEAT) target H7. However, there are significant variations in breastfeeding rates across the city ranging from low levels in e.g. Torry and Woodside (30%) to higher rates in e.g. Old Aberdeen and Cults, highlighting the need to target efforts towards areas where breastfeeding rates are low.

Target is 41.2% by 2010/11.

Measure

Performance

Note

Proportion of all 3-5 year old children registered with an NHS dentist

Dental registrations among 3-5 year olds in Aberdeen City have increased from 67.1% in 2006 to 74.8% in 2008 and are on course to meet the national HEAT target H2 of 80% of 3-5 year olds being registered with an NHS dentist by 2010/11. However, there are significant variations in dental registration rates across the city highlighting the need to target efforts towards areas where dental registrations are low. The Childsmile programme will assist in targeting areas of greatest need.

Measure

Performance

Note

Completion rates for child healthy weight intervention programme (5- 15 year olds and their families)

Data unavailable at present. NHS Grampian are to begin using the computer based Child Health Surveillance Programme-School (CHSP) from 2009. The CHSP should enable reports to be generated providing data on the number of children over/under weight etc. Reports / evaluations in relation to the 2009/10 healthy weight intervention programme in the City linked to HEAT target ‘H3: Achieve agreed completion rates for child healthy weight intervention programme by 2010/11’ will also provide data.

Measure

Performance

Note

Schools achieving Health Promoting Schools accreditation and implementation of the Schools Health Promotion and Nutrition Scotland Act

97% of schools achieved commitment level, with 73% being commended level and 2 schools achieving excellence level.

The following highlights some of the key actions which have taken place to support health and wellbeing in schools across the City.

Two full-time equivalent posts, joint funded between Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian exist; A Health Focus group has been set up and tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Act;  Support has been provided through training and building capacity to facilitate health and wellbeing through the education system;  A network of health co-ordinators (with representation from every school in the City) has been established;  Implementation of the accreditation scheme through the submission and reviewing of portfolios;  ‘Journey to Health’ bulletin published quarterly for schools and partners.  

Aberdeen City Council is now working to support schools in mainstreaming health promotion in conjunction with the work that has taken place through accreditation and indeed prior to that. They are also looking at providing support through the health and wellbeing outcomes as part of Curriculum for Excellence.