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Water in Schools
Importance of Water
Did you know that your body was made up of about two thirds water?
Therefore it is not surprising that water is vital to our health and well being. Here are just a few examples of how much water some organs of the body contain:
- Skin – approximately 70% water
- Muscle tissue – approximately 75% water
- Brain – approximately 85 % water
It would then seem to follow that a lack of water would have a direct effect on our ability to perform to our full potential.
The benefits of an adequate water intake are widely recognised and these include: healthy skin, less dental decay, increased concentration, good energy levels and an ability to sustain activity.
With the body containing so much water it is hardly surprising that an inadequate fluid intake throughout the day can lead to dehydration. This in turn can lead to the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Reduced energy levels
- Tiredness
- Reduced concentration levels
- Increased irritability
- Loss of appetite
Young People and Water
Dehydration can have a major effect on young people and children as they may not feel thirsty until they are dehydrated. If they are not drinking enough water throughout the school day, the above symptoms may be present. This can then directly impact on their ability to perform.
The need to access free water in schools has been further supported by the introduction of ‘Hungry for Success’, which states: ‘It is recognised that children need access to adequate amounts of fluids within the school day. Drinking water, which is free, fresh and chilled, should be provided with drinking cups or glasses within the dining room.’
Background
In 2002 the Scottish Executive announced a national initiative aimed at installing Water Stations in all Scottish schools. Within Grampian, a joint strategy between Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray Councils, aimed to install modern water stations that automatically filter and chill mains water.
All Aberdeenshire schools have an allocation of water stations based on the schools roll.
Progression of Water in Schools in Aberdeenshire
Work to progress the Water in School initiative has been a partnership between Aberdeenshire Council and NHS Grampian. The aim is to produce information for school communities to support the installation of the water stations. The production of the information has involved a wide range of professionals from Law and Admin to Environmental Health, Communicable Diseases, Health and Safety, Graphic Design and Printing and Janitorial Services. It has been vital to ensure that the information produced is accurate and endorsed by all the professionals.
The following information has been produced:
- Leaflets for primary school pupils (pdf 343 kb)
- Leaflets for secondary school pupils (pdf 340kb)
- Information packs for teachers (pdf 87kb)
- Letter for parents (pdf 191kb)
- Display posters (pdf 86kb)
- Water policy
- Water bottles
For more information on the Water in Schools Initiative, contact:
Dawn Tuckwood
Health Improvement Officer
Education and Recreation
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB
Tel: 01224 664883
Email: dawn.tuckwood@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
