THIRTEEN schools across the Bradford district have been awarded the Healthy Minds Charter Mark in recognition of their commitment to supporting the emotional health and well-being of their pupils and staff.

Set up two years ago, the Bradford Healthy Minds Charter Mark scheme is a collaboration between Bradford Council and the Bradford District Health and Care Partnership.

Schools can earn a silver, gold and then platinum award depending on how well they support children, young people, parents and staff. 

A ‘Beacon School’ status award is also being considered for the future.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Cullingworth Village Primary School deputy head and senior mental health lead Louise Woffendin, left, is pictured with pupils Walter and Henry, who are Wellbeing Warriors in the school, and Debbie Macdonald, pastoral managerCullingworth Village Primary School deputy head and senior mental health lead Louise Woffendin, left, is pictured with pupils Walter and Henry, who are Wellbeing Warriors in the school, and Debbie Macdonald, pastoral manager (Image: Bradford Council)

Four schools that collected silver awards last year have now reached the gold standard.

They are East Morton C of E and Riddlesden St Mary’s primary schools in Keighley; Burley and Woodhead C of E Primary School in Ilkley and Bradford’s Fagley Primary School.

The nine schools that earned silver awards this year are Park Aspire; Margaret McMillan Primary School; Cullingworth Village Primary School, High Park, Burley Oaks Primary School; Chellow Heights, Reevy Hill Primary School, The Academy at St James and Woodside Academy.

The awards were handed out by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker, at the second annual awards ceremony, which took place at the Midland Hotel.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council's executive member for education, employment and skills, said: “Schools play a crucial role in supporting children’s mental health and it is great that the charter mark shines a light on the important work our schools do.

“We all want children to do their best at school and reach their potential. Good mental health and emotional well-being are essential to that.

“There are some great examples of how our schools are teaching children the skills they need to understand and deal with their emotions, and helping those who are struggling get the support they need.”

Dr Ruth Dennis, principal educational psychologist at Bradford Council, added: “The Healthy Minds Charter Mark is an opportunity for schools to develop their support around wellbeing and mental health needs, and to demonstrate their outstanding practice.

“We are very proud of the schools who have achieved the awards, which recognises their commitment to meeting the needs of their communities.

"The schools have all taken different paths, drawing on resources from within their own communities and working closely with colleagues in the Educational Psychology Team and council and NHS service.

“We are delighted that all have achieved the Healthy Minds Charter Mark award.”