The interactive version of the report can be accessed from https://indd.adobe.com/view/0f8f9232-1a89-4caf-a927-e6f2c8fc6dde

Background: Education and Health are interdependent, yet in New Zealand both sectors work in silos with no formal directive to do otherwise. As a result, intersectoral collaboration is often challenging and time-consuming. This is further complicated by competing priorities and perspectives.

Methods: Using case study methodology, research was conducted in three urban schools in New Zealand. Data were collected through semi-structured interviewing, field observation and a review of teacher’s professional learning and development. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results: The findings of this study highlight the uncoordinated working relationship between the health and education sectors in New Zealand, and the current barriers to achieving workable, inter-sectoral collaboration. The three overarching themes centre on the challenges to developing and managing intersector collaboration; teachers differing perceptions of their role and responsibility in supporting student health and wellbeing, and the separate and siloed systems that currently exist. This study has confirmed the need for better inter-sector alignment while acknowledging the interdependence of both sectors.

Conclusion: Collaborative inter-sectoral work between education and health is critical. This study recommends the development and implementation of a national policy enabling these two sectors to work together to achieve optimal education and health outcomes for children and young people in New Zealand.

Link to full research thesis: http://hdl.handle.net/10292/15909