The Education Act (1998) emphasises that schools should promote the social and personal development of students and provide health education for them.

The SPHE programme reflects the unique ethos of each school. The attitudes, skills and values fostered in the SPHE classroom can only truly flourish in a school where all members of the school community are treated with respect and dignity. A school climate which encourages open communication, where conflict is handled constructively and which promotes high standards in all its endeavours is an environment in which the core principles of SPHE can thrive. School policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed and evaluated are the foundations on which a healthy school can be built.