A Barnsley-based primary school has been awarded Silver Status by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health Award.

This award, led by Carnegie School of Education and Minds Ahead CIC, ensures schools are using evidence-based approaches, aligned to the latest professional guidelines surrounding mental health.

Through its competency-based framework, Outwood Primary Academy Darfield has been able to use the structure of the award to evidence the way it has embraced leadership and strategy, support for staff and students as well as its work with parents, carers and external agencies.

During its assessment, the Snape Hill Road-based academy was found to be excelling at all areas of competency.

Donna Burnett, Principal at Outwood Primary Academy Darfield, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded Silver Status. 

“At Outwood we believe in putting children first and their mental health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us. We take immense pride in receiving this award and the hard work by the staff that it recognises.”

Within the assessment report is glowing praise of the academy’s work in this area, including praise of the academy’s ‘The Time To’ initiative. This is an initiative across the academy’s sponsor, Outwood Grange Academies Trust, and according to the report ‘has made the children more aware of issues around mental health and they are more comfortable in having open conversations.’

The academy was also praised for having a dedicated mental wellbeing team which is available to the staff as well as the children. In addition, the general supportive nature of the academy was praised, with it being noted that ‘leaders, including governors, are supportive of the mental health agenda.’

A spokesperson for Carnegie School of Education and Minds Ahead CIC said: “We are delighted for the school and hope that we will be able to stay in touch with them and celebrate the great work they are doing for its pupils and staff.”