Teachers' zone
Introduction
Sneezesafe* is an exciting health education programme about tissue training for teachers of pupils aged 4-6, which has been written by education experts and trialled in schools. The resource aims to help Foundation and early primary pupils practise correct respiratory hygiene and tissue use in order to help prevent the spread of viruses such as colds and flu.
The programme acts as a valuable way of meeting a number of PSHE/PSD/PSE curriculum targets about developing a healthy lifestyle and supports Early Years programmes across the UK. The programme also helps teachers to meet the Healthy Schools standard in England, Health Promoting Schools initiative in Scotland, the Welsh Network of Healthy Schools and the Health Promoting Schools scheme in Northern Ireland. Teachers in the Republic of Ireland will also find the resource supports their teaching.
Sneezesafe* consists of engaging and fun online presentations called Sneezesafe* stories and games, supported with detailed lesson plans and follow-up activities and downloads, including a poster and certificates.
The learning activities are designed to be delivered using a digital projector, interactive whiteboard or computer but are flexible enough to be used in a variety of ways including offline. Explore the website to find out more and learn how you can help your class to become Sneezesafe* and enjoy a "Sneezesafe*" environment.
Aims
The aims of the Sneezesafe* programme are as follows:
- To raise awareness about the importance of correct hygiene and tissue use in counteracting the spread of viruses
- To encourage pupils to follow the simple 1-2-3 message which is in line with NHS recommendations for respiratory and hand hygiene:
- Use a tissue to blow your nose and to cover coughs and sneezes
- Throw used tissues in the bin as soon as possible
- Wash your hands as soon as you can.
- To enable learning via a free web-based resource which is firmly rooted in the PSHE/PSD/PSE curriculum, plus downloadable content
- To reinforce the same messages to parents
Please note: learning objectives for each online activity are included in the lesson plans, along with curriculum information.

