Schools across Bradford district have been recognised for their commitment to supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing at the annual Healthy Minds Chartermark Schools Awards ceremony.
Held at the Midland Hotel, the event celebrated the efforts of schools across the district in promoting inclusion for children with social, emotional and mental health needs through a project currently delivered by the Educational Psychology Team, and funded by Public Health at Bradford Council.
The Healthy Minds Chartermark awards schools silver, gold, or platinum status based on the strength of their whole school approach to mental health support for pupils, staff and families. The highest honour – Beacon School status – was awarded to three schools this year: Park Aspire Alternative Provision Academy, Chellow Heights Special School and Burley Oaks Primary School who demonstrated their ability to measure the impact of their work on pupil wellbeing, but also actively supported the wellbeing of staff.
The first local authority nursery schools to join the scheme, Strong Close Nursery School and Hirstwood Nursery School, proudly received silver awards, showing the growing commitment to mental wellbeing across all education settings.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Dr Laura Halliwell, Educational Psychologist, and Jelisa Browne, Assistant Educational Psychologist, who praised schools for their inspiring work in supporting children’s mental health whilst providing the latest research locally and nationally.
Cllr Sue Duffy, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said:
“It’s brilliant to see so many schools making mental health a priority and creating environments where children feel safe, included and supported. The commitment shown by staff, pupils and families is truly inspiring. These awards recognise the important role schools play in helping our children thrive.”
Also attending the event was the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mohammed Shafiq, who congratulated the winners and celebrated the district’s shared commitment to children’s wellbeing.
Award Winners:
Silver Awards: Hollingwood Primary, Knowleswood Primary, Lidget Green Primary, Lilycroft Primary, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary (Keighley), St Paul’s CE Primary, St Stephen’s CE Primary, Swainhouse Primary, Green Lane Primary, and finally Bowling Park Primary who refreshed their silver award from 2021.
Gold Awards: Beckfoot Allerton Primary, Farfield Primary, Frizinghall Primary, Grove House Primary, Reevy Hill Primary, Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakar (JIMZ) Independent School (secondary), Steeton Primary.
