Parents and Carers

The School Health Research Network (SHRN),based at Cardiff University, is funded by Welsh Government.

It is partnership between SHRN, Welsh Government and  Public Health Wales.

It brings together schools, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across Wales. Our aim is to improve the health and well-being of children and young people by providing data and research that help schools put effective approaches into action.

SHRN works across all levels. We support  schools locally, regionally, and nationally to improve learner health and well-being. We provide schools with valuable data to help them plan and evaluate their health and well-being programmes. This enables schools to create tailored support that makes a real difference to their  learners’ everyday lives.

See how schools across Wales have used their SHRN data to make real improvements-   from creating targeted programmes  to updating their curriculum and shaping school development  plans. Read more here.

As a national support system, backed by the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales, we work with health and education professionals.  Regionally, we partner with The Welsh Network of Health and Well-being Promoting Schools (WNHWPS) to apply school health and well-being research evidence into action

On a National level, The Welsh Government uses SHRN data to plan and monitor national policies. SHRN is referenced in over 30 policies and strategies, including the Whole School Approach (WSA) and the Curriculum for Wales. Public Health Wales also uses the data to deliver programmes such as JustB , a school smoking prevention programme.

Our survey collects information on many aspects of children’s and young people’s health and well-being. This helps us understand their needs and supports schools and policymakers in creating effective systems of support. These systems improve health and well-being, helping children and young people feel more confident and secure.

Yes. Your child’s responses cannot be linked back to them, ensuring their privacy and encouraging honest answers. Schools receive the survey results in aggregate form, meaning they only see data for the whole school, not individual children and young people . All responses are analysed as a group, so individual answers remain anonymous. This protects privacy while still providing valuable insights to improve health and well-being support for everyone.

We take data security seriously. The survey does not collect names or any information that could identify individual learners. All data is stored securely and used only for research and reporting purposes. This approach protects privacy while still providing valuable insights to help schools and policymakers improve health and well-being support for learners.

By keeping responses anonymous, we create a safe space for children and young people to share their experiences honestly. This helps us understand their needs better and ensures that the support provided is based on real evidence.

Yes. The SHRN survey is available in both Welsh and English to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all learners. Schools will provide instructions so learners can choose the language they are most comfortable with.

Yes, the SHRN survey follows all the rules to protect personal data. It complies with the GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018 to ensure your child’s privacy is safeguarded. Read More…

Your child was chosen to take part because their school is part of the SHRN network. All secondary schools in Wales are part of SHRN, with 95% of these schools and over 70% of learners taking part in 2023. SHRN has recently expanded into primary schools, with over half of them taking part in 2024.

When schools and learners take part in the SHRN survey, they help us gather valuable insights into children’s and young people’s health and well-being. These insights guide schools and policymakers in creating better support systems and resources that meet real needs.

By contributing to this research, schools can:

• Plan and improve health and well-being programmes based on evidence.
• Identify areas where learners need extra support.
• Shape policies and strategies that make a positive difference across Wales.

Ultimately, this work helps improve learners’ day-to-day experiences, boosts confidence, and supports their success in school and beyond.

Yes, the SHRN survey has ethical approval. Each survey is reviewed and approved by the Cardiff University Ethics Committee. This ensures the survey follows strict guidelines to protect the rights and well-being of the children and young people who take part. It means the survey is conducted in a way that is respectful, safe, and fair for everyone.

The SHRN survey is carried out every two years. This regular cycle helps schools and policymakers track changes in health and well-being over time and measure the impact of interventions and changes.

Taking part in the SHRN survey is completely voluntary. If you or your child decide not to take part, you can opt out. Schools will give you information on how to do this closer to the time of the survey.

Your child will complete an online survey during school time. Your school will let you know when this is happening.

Before taking part, learners will have the chance to understand what the survey is about and why it matters. We provide child and  young person-friendly resources, such as a short video and a leaflet, which explain the process clearly. Learners can view these resources and ask questions beforehand, so they feel fully informed and comfortable about taking part.

Questions are safe, age-appropriate  and approved by Cardiff University’s Ethic Committee.  They cover daily habits such as food and nutrition , physical activity, and sleep habits. It also asks about feelings, emotions, and mental health experiences. Learners are asked how they feel about their school environment, their relationships with teachers and peers, and their overall satisfaction with school. It also asks about health behaviours that can affect their health and well-being.

The survey draws on tried and trusted questions. By working with schools, health experts, and our partners we ensure the questions are useful for understanding and improving learner health and well-being. The process includes talking to teachers and health professionals to find out what topics are important, looking at research and testing the questions to make sure they are clear. This way, the questions are both scientifically sound, age appropriate and relevant.

Yes, parents and carers can see the survey questions in advance. Schools will provide access to  a copy of survey questions so you can see what will be asked.

The answers will be used to create reports and insights that help schools, practitioners and policymakers improve health and well-being support for learners. Read these Reports.