A Havercroft-based primary school has been awarded Gold Status by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health Award.

This award, led by Carnegie School of Education and Minds Ahead CIC, ensures schools are using evidence-based approaches, aligned to the latest professional guidelines surrounding mental health.

The assessment report found that ‘the whole school approach to developing, sustaining, and celebrating positive mental health and well-being is evident across all aspects of the curriculum and the school day, and the impact is being seen in many different ways.’

During the assessment, the Cow Lane-based academy was found to have provided strong support for its staff, students and their families during the pandemic which had helped to improve and strengthen the relationship between families and the academy.

Lindsay Corbett, Principal at Outwood Primary Academy Newstead Green, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Gold Status. It really is an exceptional achievement for the academy and it recognises the hard work of our students and staff.

“At Outwood we are dedicated to putting children first and this goes beyond just academically. We want to ensure our children are supported and are good citizens when they leave us, as well as prepared to perform well academically. 

“To this aim, we want to make sure their mental health and wellbeing is looked after. We take immense pride in receiving this award and look forward to continuing to support our staff and children as best we can.”

Within the assessment report is glowing praise of the academy’s support system and its ‘Time To’ initiative that encourages the children to discuss their emotions:

“Pupils have developed a sense of ownership around their feelings and regular class discussions support them to articulate how they are feeling and encourage them to develop their own strategies for managing their feelings.”

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.