The Wellbeing Award for Schools

We are pleased to inform staff, pupils and parents that Harton Academy is taking part in the ‘Wellbeing Award for Schools’ initiative.

Developed in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau (NCB), the Wellbeing Award for Schools is intended to help schools prepare and equip themselves to promote emotional wellbeing and positive mental health across the whole-school community. NCB’s vision is an education system where good emotional wellbeing and mental health are at the heart of the culture and ethos of all schools, so that pupils, with the support of their teachers, can build confidence and flourish.

Evidence shows us that wellbeing is of central importance to learning and attainment, with high levels of wellbeing associated with improved academic outcomes. Conversely, pupils who have mental health problems are more likely to have academic difficulties at school and experience social disadvantage later in adult life.

To achieve this vision, NCB advocates the use of a ‘whole-school approach’ where all aspects of the school experience are harnessed to promote the emotional wellbeing and mental health of pupils and staff. It is an approach where emotional wellbeing and mental health is everybody’s business.

We would like to thank all who took the time to complete the Wellbeing evaluation questionnaires that were made available last term. Responses are being analysed and will form the basis of a whole school action plan about emotional and mental health.

A common request from all parties was that the school provides more information as to how parents and pupils can respond when they have a concern. That request has been addressed and we will make such information available via our website.

During coming months, staff at Harton will be working towards achieving the award. Via our website and end of term newsletters, we will keep in touch with all parties in terms of progress being made.

Thanks for your continued support!