Hands up for Max

16 November 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is helping primary schools across Dorset and Somerset to teach children that good hand hygiene can stop the spread of coughs, colds and even swine flu.

'Hands up for Max' is a hand washing school resource produced by the HPA and is being sent to 340 primary schools across the Dorset and Somerset area, 18,000 schools across England will be sent packs from November.

Linda Churm, a Health Protection Nurse leading the project for the South West said: "Washing your hands properly is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the spread of infections like coughs, colds, norovirus and the flu. Young children are at particular risk of contracting and transmitting these sorts of illnesses."

"The pack features an animated character called Max and was designed in discussion with teachers, pupils and school nurses. The pack links in with the school curriculum areas (Key Stages 1 & 2): PSHE and Science and Art and Design through short lesson plans, animation and an art competition.

 "Good hygiene practice in schools can reduce the spread of illness, with hand hygiene an important part of this.

"Hands up for Max will help to develop hygiene habits in childhood and we hope will influence behaviour in the long term."

Last reviewed: 11 March 2010