CAPTION: Older pupils at the schools have been trained as mental health ambassadors
National Mental Health Award Given to Four Church of England Primary Schools in Devon
Four Church of England Primary Schools in Devon have been awarded the National School Mental Health Award from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.
Littleham Church of England Primary School, Exmouth, Branscombe C of E Primary School, Seaton, Broadhembury C of E Primary School, Honiton, and Farway C of E Primary School, Colyton, have all been recognised for their work promoting good mental health.
All the schools are part of the Jubilee Pebblebed Federation. The Executive Headteacher, Katie Gray, said, “We are all delighted to win this accolade.
“COVID-19 has created real challenges for us all but there have been real concerns about mental health issues amongst children following the lockdowns.
“We had already begun work on this area before COVID-19 struck but it certainly assisted us in helping the children and their families.
“Good mental health is obviously so important in itself, but if children are feeling concerned then they can’t learn.
“If they are feeling good mentally, then they are able to take advantage of all the educational opportunities that we provide for them.”
The Department for Education recognises the direct link between positive mental health in schools and successful educational outcomes; the Mental Health Award for Schools builds on this link and provides a framework for educational institutions to evidence policies and initiatives that work towards improving emotional health and wellbeing for both staff and pupils.
Older pupils at the schools have been trained as mental health ambassadors and an assessor said they were the most emotionally aware children he had ever worked with.
Ruth Whiteside of the Carnegie School of Education said, “Across the schools, there has been a cohesive approach to developing the language of mental health so that it becomes part of everyday practice for both pupil and adult alike.”
Of Littleham Primary School, she said, “Staff are very much aware of, and focused on, enhancing and supporting positive mental health for all.
“Funding was made available to employ a teacher who could model the kinds of activities that would support mental health in the classroom, staffroom and elsewhere.
“The key impact of this approach is the shared vocabulary that is understood by all, so that it is much easier to talk about mental health, whether as a child or adult.”
Diocesan Director of Education, Sue Lockwood said, “We are delighted that our church school are giving such importance to the mental health of our children and young people.”
