York Youth Council created its ‘Minding Mind’ award to support and recognise schools which are committed to improving their pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.
Scarcroft School was selected as the award’s first winner for its work in developing an action plan to promote friendship. With the help of staff and a council wellbeing worker, the children decided to prioritise three areas: promoting the use of the ‘friendship bench’ in the playground, developing friendship skills and setting up a skills group to help others build friendships and looking at establishing a quiet area in the playground.
Schools are supported by council wellbeing workers who work with school staff to identify and help pupils with early signs of mental health issues.
Cllr. Keith Myers, Executive member for education, children & young people said:
“Although the health and wellbeing of children in York is known to be generally better than England’s average, we recognise the importance of giving them high quality advice and support from educational specialists, and what is particularly pleasing in this instance is the enthusiastic involvement of the children themselves in working to set up an action plan.
“I’m delighted for Scarcroft School for being recognised for such a successful project.”