Hygiene is an integral part of one’s well being. The question is - when is the right time to begin hygiene education? Should it begin when a pandemic rages and soares or should it begin early, in schools, when young minds internalise its significance, importance and techniques.
We gained insights from Dr. Sarah Mustafa, School Doctor at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, who believes that hygiene education must begin from early years. She highlights how Nord Anglia International School Dubai inculcates essential hygiene education through interactive workshops, activities and so much more.
1. How does Nord Anglia UAE Schools integrate hygiene education into its curriculum, and what age groups are most targeted for this learning?
Nord Anglia International School, Dubai, ensures that students not only learn about hygiene but also understand why it plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing. Different topics are covered depending on the age group, with a particular focus on early years and primary year groups (ages 4 to 11), ensuring that core aspects of hygiene education are instilled early. This begins with a health talk led by a member of the school's healthcare team, such as the school doctor or nurses, on various hygiene topics.
In Nursery and Reception, the focus is mainly on hand hygiene and how it minimises the spread of infectious diseases. In Years 4, 5, and 6, the talk expands to cover personal and environmental hygiene (dental, skin, hair, and nail hygiene, the importance of clean clothes, and keeping clean surroundings). In secondary (ages 12 to 16), hand hygiene is reinforced through discussions on infectious diseases (respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses) and how to prevent them.
All talks are reinforced throughout the school year by class teachers through activities such as group handwashing, the pepper and glitter experiments, moral education (for secondary year groups), and hygiene topics integrated into physical education lessons.
2. What specific hygiene practices are promoted among students and staff to ensure a clean and healthy school environment?
- Ensuring the six-step handwashing process is well known among staff and practised by students.
- Staff regularly practise and encourage handwashing before and after meals, after using the toilet, after handling objects outside the classroom or post coughing or sneezing.
- Educating students on how proper hygiene practices can prevent infectious diseases (e.g., colds, flu, stomach bugs, and viral exanthems prevented by handwashing; preventing tinea infections through nail, hair, and skin hygiene; and promoting gum and tooth health through dental hygiene).
- Encouraging students to maintain a clean environment by tidying up, avoiding littering, and minimising food waste.
- Promoting proper clothing hygiene, including showering after PE, changing into and out of PE kits, and coming to school in clean clothes.
3. How does your school ensure that hygiene education goes beyond the classroom and is implemented in everyday student behaviour, such as during meals or after using the restroom?
During health talks and hygiene activities, parents are always informed and encouraged to reinforce the messages at home. Parents are invited to workshops with medical, dental, and wellbeing professionals who provide specific information relevant to different age groups and the challenges of ensuring hygiene practices (e.g., how to help Year 5 and 6 students manage body odour during puberty, or brushing teeth correctly for the recommended two minutes).
Students are also encouraged to actively participate in health talks by asking questions beforehand. For example, after multiple requests from secondary students for more guidance, a feminine hygiene presentation was introduced. Parents are also invited to these talks and can seek support from the school clinic if they face challenges in maintaining hygiene practices at home.
4.In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, what new hygiene protocols have been introduced, and how are they being reinforced among students and staff?
- Students are regularly reminded of the six steps of handwashing and the importance of washing hands for the recommended 60 seconds.
- Students are encouraged to sanitise their hands in the absence of soap and water, though it is emphasised that not all germs can be removed with sanitiser alone.
- Regular deep cleaning is conducted in classrooms and shared spaces, in addition to routine cleaning.
- Open communication is encouraged between parents and the school about infectious diseases, ensuring proper advice is given to close contacts and that areas are cleaned accordingly.
- Teachers actively ensure younger students follow handwashing practices, especially before and after mealtimes.
- Hand sanitiser and handwashing stations are readily available throughout the school and are regularly checked.
- Sharing personal items, especially in and around the pool, is discouraged to limit the spread of infectious diseases.
5. How do you engage parents and the broader school community in promoting good hygiene practices at home and in their daily lives?
- Interactive Activities: Fun hands-on activities like hand and tooth brushing workshops, puppet shows, the pepper/glitter experiment, and other hygiene-related games help make learning about hygiene enjoyable. Families are encouraged to participate in these activities at home, such as washing hands and brushing teeth together, or letting children choose hygiene products that interest them.
- Feedback and Involvement: Parents are encouraged to share their ideas and feedback on hygiene initiatives, ensuring they feel involved and invested in the process.
- By combining education, community involvement, and interactive elements, we promote good hygiene practices that resonate with families and foster lasting habits.
6. What role do teachers and school staff play in promoting and modelling good hygiene practices for students, and how are they trained for this responsibility?
Teachers and staff actively promote hygiene practices through the following:
- Modelling Behaviour: Teachers and staff demonstrate good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and proper respiratory etiquette (sneezing or coughing into one’s elbow), setting a positive example for students.
- Creating a Healthy Environment: They maintain clean classrooms and common areas, reinforcing the importance of hygiene. They also encourage students to help keep learning areas tidy and take these behaviors home.
- Educating Students: Staff incorporate hygiene education into the curriculum, covering personal health, nutrition, and the science of germs. They also reinforce topics discussed in health sessions with nurses and the school doctor.
- Encouraging Peer Support: Teachers create a culture where students remind each other of hygiene practices, building a supportive community.
- Identifying Needs: Staff identify when students need additional support or resources related to hygiene and connect them with appropriate services. In collaboration with the school clinic, they create talks and activities that address specific student needs.
- Communicating with Families: Teachers share hygiene resources and tips with parents through newsletters or parent-teacher meetings, reinforcing hygiene’s importance at home.
7. How does the school measure the effectiveness of its hygiene promotion initiatives, and what methods are used to assess whether students are adopting healthy hygiene habits?
- Surveys and Questionnaires: Quizzes after health talks help gather data on students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding hygiene.
- Observation: Teachers and teaching assistants observe students’ hygiene practices during key times, such as before meals or after using the restroom, to assess compliance.
- Focus Groups and Interviews: The school clinic regularly speaks with parents, students, and staff to identify any gaps in knowledge or practice following educational sessions.
- Health Screenings: Through the NAS Nurture programme, we partner with health professionals to conduct screenings for hygiene-related issues (e.g., dental health, skin conditions) before and after initiatives. Parents can access these results online and reach out with any questions.
8. Are there any partnerships with external organisations or health professionals that help in delivering hygiene education and ensuring the school maintains high standards of cleanliness?
Through the NAS Nurture programme, we have invited healthcare professionals to deliver talks to parents on medical topics of interest. For example, NOA Dental Clinic provided a session on paediatric dental hygiene. We have also partnered with Dr. Joy and Drs Nicholas and ASP for dental hygiene talks. Currently, we are exploring partnerships related to hand and feminine hygiene.