Wellbeing provision recognised with silver standard
A SCHOOL in Rotherham has become the first primary in the town to be recognised with a silver standard for its mental health and wellbeing provision.
Wath Victoria Primary, which links with local groups and outreach work with Barnardo’s, has achieved the award level when applying for the School Mental Health Award. There is a commitment in school to improving the well-being of staff and pupils, said headteacher Clare Miller, with a focus on creating a welcoming school building.
“In the past year, I have seen the impact that our commitment to mental health and wellbeing has had on our school community,” said Mrs Miller. “The teamwork that is evident at Wath Victoria every single day is inspiring. Staff are tuned in to each other, to the needs of our pupils and families, and know when someone may need a little lift. The impact of this on our children is that they too know that if they have any worries there is always someone in school that can and will help.”
The award, established last year by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, is run in conjunction with social enterprise Minds Ahead. It is aimed at strengthening pupil’s mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels.
Prof Damien Page, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said they were extremely proud of working with Wath Victoria: “Achieving this award is not just recognition of a whole-school approach to mental health, it’s a recognition of the school’s commitment to improving the life chances of children.”
Nationally, more than 300 schools have signed up to take part in the mental health award.
Dean Johnstone, founder and chief executive of Minds Ahead, said: “This award shines a light on the excellent work schools are doing to promote mental health for their community of children and adults. It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Wath Victoria Primary School and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”