FOURTEEN Bradford district schools have been awarded Charter Marks in recognition of the excellent mental health support they provide.

A ceremony was held at Bradford's Midland Hotel on July 9 in which the Lord Mayor, Cllr Beverley Mullaney, distributed the trophies.

The awards, known as the Healthy Minds Charter Mark, are presented to schools in three tiers: silver, gold, and platinum, acknowledging the exceptional mental health and wellbeing services they offer to pupils and staff.

Those achieving the platinum award, synonymous with best practice, are also eligible for Beacon status.

During the ceremony, schools demonstrated varied ways they are helping their pupils to understand and handle emotions, including the provision of quiet spaces and 'happiness heroes'.

In particular, Worth Valley Primary School's therapy dog - a cockapoo named Winnie - has provided joy and comfort to the school's community.

Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, such as social, emotional and mental health needs, greatly benefit from such approaches.

Now in its third year, the Healthy Minds Charter Mark programme is jointly managed by Bradford Council and the Bradford District Health and Care Partnership.

Councillor Sue Duffy, Bradford Council's executive member for children and families, said: "Schools are vital in supporting children’s mental health, and the Charter Mark highlights the significant work our schools are doing.

“Good mental health and emotional wellbeing is essential for children and young people to get the most out of their education and thrive at school.

"It is wonderful to hear about the wide range of care and support our schools offer to children, families and staff.”

Dr Ruth Dennis, principal educational psychologist at Bradford Council, said: "The Healthy Minds Charter Mark is a chance for schools to develop their whole school support around wellbeing and mental health needs, and to showcase their good practice.

"We are delighted that more and more schools across the district are achieving the awards and hope to see even more sign up in the future."

The first Beacon awards were handed out this year to High Park School in Heaton and Burley and Woodhead C of E Primary School in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Gold awards were claimed by Parkwood Primary School in Keighley and Bradford's Chellow Heights Special School.

A total of ten schools won silver, including Grove House Primary School, Beckfoot Allerton Primary School and Nursery, Thornton Primary, Farfield Primary, Frizinghall Primary and St Columba’s Catholic Primary, plus Keighley primary schools Worth Valley, Steeton and Holycroft, and independent girls' boarding school Jaamiatul Imaam Muhammad Zakaria.