Banff Academy recognised for work to support mental health and wellbeing
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Banff Academy has been presented with the Wellbeing Award for Schools.
The accolade recognises the work the school has done to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of pupils and staff.
The award programme is delivered by Optimus Education in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau and sets a national standard.
The school said in a statement: "It is fantastic news to end what has been a challenging term.
"After a long and exciting journey we were awarded the prestigious national Wellbeing Award for Schools.
"This rigorous process involved the submission of a portfolio of evidence, feedback from focus groups and an extensive presentation on impact in the school.
"This recognises our commitment to promote mental health and wellbeing, which is at the heart of all we do as a school learning community."
The award scheme focuses on changing the long-term culture of a school.
It uses an evidence-based framework to drive change, and helps schools to deliver staff and pupil wellbeing; review staff training; and revise policies.
The award aims to ensure that mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of school life.
The framework focuses on ensuring that emotional wellbeing and mental health is regarded as the responsibility of all; offer ongoing professional development so school staff feel confident responding to pupils’ needs; and actively promote emotional wellbeing and mental health for staff.
It also works with the whole-school community to provide support; ensure systems and external partnerships are in place to support different types of needs; and commit to a clear strategy that promotes and protects emotional wellbeing and mental health.
This is transferred and embedded into the learning experiences and awareness is raised in the wider community outside of the school.
Kintore Primary School also received the award in Aberdeenshire for the work it has done which has included weaving wellbeing through daily activities, investing in training and working in partnership with a number of other organisations.
Related story: Wellbeing award for Kintore Primary School
