Longwood Primary Academy in Harlow was shortlisted in this year’s Place2Be ‘Wellbeing in Schools Awards’ in the School Community category.

THESE awards recognise excellence in the delivery of mental health and wellbeing support in schools and showcase the remarkable work happening daily to reduce stigma, and create happier, more productive school communities.

Run by children’s mental health charity Place2Be, the Awards recognise the passion and hard work that goes into the delivery of mental health and wellbeing support in the charity’s partner schools across the country.

Place2Be Chief Executive, Catherine Roche, said: “All too often we are surrounded by stories of children’s mental health in crisis. Sadly, we hear less about the brilliant efforts made every day to support children and young people in UK schools. To redress this, Place2Be’s Wellbeing in Schools Awards recognise and showcase the remarkable work and commitment to promote mental health across our partner schools in the UK.”

James Hollinsley, Headteacher at Longwood Primary Academy, said: “Place2Be provides our academies with a specialist service to help pupils and parents with a wide range of wellbeing and mental health needs. This service compliments the outstanding personal development and welfare we offer to ensure that our pupils achieve their best and are able to become confident and fulfilled members of society. We are delighted that Longwood is a finalist of such a prestigious award for something we find so important.”

Place2Be has been working with Longwood Primary Academy since 2015, supporting children with their mental health improvement.

Finalists (three nominees per category), will be celebrated on Monday 25 March 2019 at a glamorous awards event at London’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel, hosted by TV presenter and Place2Be ambassador Katie Thistleton. The Winner and two Highly Commended Runners Up will be announced on the night.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY – PRIMARY

These awards recognise the school community that has shown an inspiring commitment to a ‘whole school approach’ to mental health, creating a positive culture and offering support to all those who need it.

Those who made the shortlist demonstrated a high level of awareness and engagement across all members of staff; engagement with and involvement of parents/carers; engagement with and involvement of pupils/students; proactive efforts to develop children and young people’s resilience – both in and out of the classroom; targeted support on site for those identified with mental health needs; proactive efforts to support staff wellbeing.