ABSTRACT
A school health municipal service has been in existence in Villeurbanne since its creation in 1935. It works throughout the city's schools, and in particularly in places which provide the last year of nursery school and all primary-level schools as well. In 1998 it was integrated into the office of the Directorate for Hygiene and Public Health, which provided an opportunity to reconsider its mission and reflect upon the priorities. The balance between screening and prevention was examined. Furthermore, its approach to thematic issues was put into question given the lack of a strategic overall programming methodology. The new health policy aimed at students was executed through a reorganization of evaluations, leading to the creation and implementation of a new programme called "I take care of myself" specifically targeting all first grade children. The results of this programme, which focuses on the development of a more comprehensive approach, are encouraging. Thanks to the programme, health has been reinstalled in its proper place in the schools, and it has become a matter of great importance for the children, their parents and the teachers. Furthermore, the school health service has consolidated and strengthened its role in this manner.
