Department publishes Healthy Happy Minds evaluation

The Department of Education has published an independent evaluation of the Healthy Happy Minds pilot project.

Healthy Happy Minds Pilot Scheme Evaluation

The pilot project was introduced to provide therapeutic and counselling support in primary schools and test approaches which would help inform provision in the longer-term.

Education Minister Paul Givan said:

“Looking after the emotional health and wellbeing of our children is a key priority for me and is one that underpins my Department’s vision that every child will be happy, learning and succeeding. The benefits of early intervention in the right place and by the right people, are widely accepted to improve outcomes for children and young people.

“That is why it is important for me to now take the time to consider the Healthy Happy Minds evaluation, along with wider research and feedback from stakeholders in developing the Department's longer-term approach to supporting pupil emotional health and wellbeing in conjunction with health colleagues and professionals.”

The Healthy Happy Minds pilot service ran in primary schools from November 2021 until March 2023.

The Healthy Happy Minds post project evaluation is available on the Department’s website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/healthy-happy-minds-post-project-evaluation-report

Notes to editors: 

1. The Terms of Reference for the post project evaluation (PPE) were to evaluate whether the project was: delivered to time, delivered to cost, delivered to specification, had delivered anticipated outcomes, had effectively managed risk and had been effectively governed and managed.
2. The pilot was operational from November 2021 until March 2023, Business Consultancy Services completed the PPE for the period November 2021 to October 2022.  The Department initiated commissioning of the independent PPE prior to approval of pilot extensions to December 2022 and then to March 2023.
3. Follow us on Twitter @Education_ni
4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.

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