BURLEY Oaks Primary School has achieved the School Mental Health Award which is delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.

Burley Oaks was awarded a Gold standard for its outstanding mental health and wellbeing provision.

A school spokesperson said: "Burley Oaks places wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum and provides a wide range of activities to boost the wellbeing of pupils and staff, including: specific programmes to help children talk about their feelings and emotions, peer mentoring, lego therapy, leadership opportunities. These are underpinned by our cleverly designed PSHE curriculum and our preventative approach to mental health which is vital to empowering children and reducing stigma.

"The school has also established a community intergenerational project which has been praised by all involved. Events have included: a conker tournament, drop-in sessions at the local parish centre with board games, drinks and cakes. A ‘Reverse Santa’ event organised by our Wellbeing Ambassadors collected more than 300 presents for recipients including vulnerable and elderly local residents. The activities have given children an opportunity to truly understand the value of giving and connecting."

Claire Lee, head teacher added: “The culture of mental health awareness in school is paramount which can only be built on relationships, teamwork, care and compassion. There cannot be a value put on the power of people, people who truly value one another and each person’s unique role in making a difference to children’s lives.

"I am extremely proud that the school’s work has been recognised at the highest level. Feeling happy, safe and listened to enables our children to fully engage in the vast learning opportunities we offer. Children thrive in this environment.”

The award was established in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools – part of Leeds Beckett University – and social enterprise Minds Ahead.

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK's education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances.

Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said: “The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the school's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential. This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of.”

Nationally, more than 1000 schools have signed up to take part in the mental health award.

Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO 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 Burley Oaks and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”