Risedale School has been awarded the prestigious ‘School Mental Health Award’, achieving the ‘Silver’ standard as assessed by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. This accolade recognises Risedale's outstanding commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of its pupils and staff.

Risedale School has implemented a comprehensive range of initiatives to foster a positive wellbeing culture. These include in-school support through Creative Arts, Art Therapy, the Thrive Approach, Emotion Coaching, and Mentoring. Crucially, it also offers the significant benefit of a full-time, on-site Counsellor for pupils and staff, setting it apart from other local schools that typically access counselling services externally.

Risedale School enhances its pupil wellbeing support through active engagement with external agencies, including the Garrison Assist Project, North Yorkshire Wellbeing in Sport, Young Carers, and local safeguarding providers. Recognising its strong ties with Catterick Garrison and a significant service family population, the school also has a dedicated Service Children's Manager and Advocate to provide specific support and guidance.

School Counsellor, Lisa Smith, commented: “I am so proud that we have achieved the Silver Award. It’s a true reflection of the hard work and unwavering commitment of both staff and pupils in cultivating a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing at Risedale.”

Through collaborative efforts, the school has successfully built upon existing good practices while continuously striving to develop even more effective strategies for mental health and wellbeing support.

A central element of Risedale’s success has been its dedication to fostering a positive and supportive whole-school culture. The voices of pupils, staff, and parents are actively valued, creating an environment where pupils feel empowered to express any concerns about their mental health. The school boasts a strong cohort of Pupil Mental Health Ambassadors, Service Pupil Ambassadors, an active Pupil Council, and support for Young Carers. Furthermore, all pupils are encouraged to contribute ideas for promoting mental health through a dedicated wellbeing Google Classroom. 

As a result of this proactive approach, pupils feel confident discussing mental health. The school actively promotes and shares its positive wellbeing initiatives through various channels, including local press, the school newsletter, website, and social media.

Headteacher, Mrs Greenwood, said: “At Risedale, we believe wholeheartedly that the key to unlocking learning and progress is happy pupils and staff, so we have worked hard to introduce and embed good wellbeing practices. Pupils are at the forefront of leading these - we listen to their thoughts and ideas around mental health and wellbeing and will continue to do so.”

The award was established in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools – part of Leeds Beckett University – and social enterprise Minds Ahead.

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK's education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances.

Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said: “The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the school's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential. This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of”.

Nationally, more than 1400 schools have signed up to take part in the mental health award.

Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead, said: “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 Risedale School and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”

For more information about Health and Wellbeing please visit our dedicated website page.

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