Oldham school scoops pioneering mental health award
St Anne’s RC Primary School in Oldham has received the Silver School Mental Health Award for its outstanding mental health and wellbeing initiatives, including programs like Mental Health Ambassadors, Forest School, and Lego Therapy. The school also supports parents through coffee mornings and collaborates with external agencies.
St Anne’s RC Primary School in Oldham has earned national recognition for its outstanding mental health provision, receiving a Silver standard in the School Mental Health Award delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.
The school has implemented comprehensive wellbeing initiatives that support both pupils and staff through universal programmes including calm corners, worry buttons, Jigsaw PSHE curriculum and daily meet-and-greet sessions. A standout feature is the pupil-led Mental Health Ambassador programme, where students deliver assemblies, maintain visibility during break times and lead fundraising events.
For pupils requiring targeted support, the school offers specialised interventions including Forest School sessions, Lego Therapy and 101 self-esteem programmes. The school’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, with regular coffee mornings and afternoons featuring external agencies providing parenting and mental health guidance, establishing St Anne’s as a community hub supporting families alongside students.
“I want to take a moment to express how incredibly proud I am of the ongoing support for mental health and wellbeing at our school,” said head teacher Amy Wainwright. “We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every pupil feels valued, heard, and supported.”
The award, established in 2017 by Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools and social enterprise Minds Ahead, has attracted participation from over 1,400 schools nationwide. Rachel C Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, noted the achievement demonstrates “significant commitment to improving children’s and staff’s mental health and wellbeing.”
Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead, praised the school’s efforts: “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 St Anne’s RC Primary School.”
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