The recruitment strategy for Towards health: an action research project for schools

Abstract

This paper describes the procedures employed to recruit ten primary and ten secondary schools to participate in an action research project in Nottinghamshire from May to July 1993. The principal aim of the recruitment drive was to provide a group of volunteer schools from which the pilot schools could be selected. Thirty-four per cent of all school types replied to the first stage of publicity. The response was 14 per cent in the application stage. Wide variations were observed in response rates across the eight education areas and more secondary than primary schools replied and applied, Both primary and secondary schools tended to prioritise curriculum planning, co-ordination, and staff in-service training, for development, as opposed to wider health promotion issues. Recommenda tions are made to boost application rates, and some of the findings are discussed within the context of the current state of development of health education and promotion in schools.