Project HE:RO Evaluation of a 1-year Pilot Study, Lessons Learnt

Purpose: This report provides the final phase of feedback, capturing insights into the implementation of Project HE:RO across the four intervention schools. These insights can be used to increase the programme effectiveness for year two. Method: Interviews were conducted with Evolve health mentors (n=4), teachers (n=12) and senior leaders (n=5). Focus groups and interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically to highlight critical areas of the intervention, considering what is working well and what are the current challenges. Results: During the analysis, seven overarching themes were identified with 26 sub-themes. The overarching themes were: (i) teachers beliefs about Project HE:RO, (ii) relationships between health mentors and school staff, (iii) implementing project HE:RO, (iv) implementing the mentoring sessions (v) perceived pupil engagement and relationship with health mentors (vi) behavioural management and (vii) health mentors competencies and future personal development. Conclusion: Overall the evaluation on Project HE: RO’s pilot study has identified a myriad of benefits. All schools reported improved trust for teachers in the relevance of the programme for their children’s health. Senior leaders, teachers and health mentors all expressed perceived engagement levels form the children; often describing the children as happy and healthy pupils enjoying the programme. Throughout the year, health mentors have demonstrated improved competence and confidence levels. Drawn from the themes, three considerations for future investment were discussed to improve the provision and implementation of Project HE:RO: (i) tackling school staff’s lack of ownership, (ii) project personalisation to increase the alignment to the school’s ethos and existing provision and (iii) health mentor’s personal development. Our recommendation for Evolve would be to continue actioning the best practices of the project in combination with a discussion around the action points and considerations to improve the success of project HE:RO for the second year the implementation.