OA Portland Praised For Mental Health Work

Outwood Academy Portland, a secondary school based in Worksop, has been awarded Bronze 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.

The assessment report found that the Netherton Road-based academy had ‘used the framework and content of the Award to very good effect to develop their mental health and wellbeing strategies, structures, and practices’ and was ‘embracing’ the different aspects of mental wellbeing support.

The report noted how the wellbeing of staff at Outwood Academy Portland was of ‘paramount importance’ and that the leaders at the academy had worked hard to ensure staff are supported and valued, there have been a variety of initiatives started that have been really appreciated by staff.’

Godsway Dzoboku, Principal at Outwood Academy Portland, said:

“We are happy to be awarded Bronze Status as it recognises the hard work of our outstanding students and staff in this area.

“At Outwood we are dedicated to putting students first and this goes beyond the classroom for us. We want to ensure our students are supported and are good citizens that can play positive active roles in the community at the point they leave us, as well as achieving academically.

“We believe we should always strive to improve in this area and we look forward to continuing to support our staff and students as best we can to help them fulfil their potential.”

Within the assessment report is glowing praise of the academy’s work in forging strong relationships between staff, students, and the wider community. It stated:

“The school has strong relationships with parents and as far as possible operates an open-door policy and works hard to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for parents...As restrictions lift, the school is looking forward to welcoming parents back into school and running the parent support groups and workshops as well as the many community events that bring everyone together.”

Godsway added:

“We are all aware of how tough the last 18 months have been. We believe the best way to get through these tough periods is to work together which is why we are so determined to build these positive relationships. Ultimately, this can only help our students in getting the best education possible.”

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.