A school in Kendal has been recognised for its work to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of their whole school community is paramount.

Vicarage Park Primary School was presented with the Wellbeing Award for Schools, which was developed by the National Children’s Bureau and Optimus Education.

The award recognises the outstanding work being done to promote mental health and wellbeing within school communities across England.

(Image: Vicarage Park Primary School) In June 2024, the school was externally assessed by Dr Helen Mills from Optimus Education.

Dr Mills supported the school through an 18-month journey in order to provide evidence that they were promoting the wellbeing of their pupils, staff and parents.

She described the school as being ‘wonderful’ place, and one that ‘welcomes you with warmth and kindness’. 

Dr Mills said: “The staff have created a seamless and consistent, welcoming, happy, caring, supportive, safe, nurturing, nonjudgemental, kind, inclusive, respectful, engaging and creative culture of wellbeing.”

Parents of children at Vicarage Park School were asked to share their opinions about how the school promotes mental health and wellbeing.

One parent said: “My children openly tell me about their feelings, the school has NSPCC assemblies and Year 6 pupils delivered an assembly on ‘The 5 Steps to Wellbeing’.”

(Image: Vicarage Park Primary School) The five steps continually discussed in school are; connect with other people, be physically active, give to others, learn new skills and pay attention to the present-be mindful. 

The school runs a ‘Wellbeing Drop-in Clinic’ for children to talk openly about things that they are worried about, where they are encouraged to share their feelings with trusted adults and peers.

One staff member said: “We’re really proud of our family environment we proved for the children, we have ‘Wellbeing Ambassadors that ensure our children are happy and feel safe and social times during the school day.”

They also said investment in staff wellbeing has resulted in a reduction in workload, “Little gestures such as Friday sweet treats in the staffroom and less staff meetings have a big impact and make us feel valued.”

Parents can approach the Headteacher, Mrs Katie Green, and other staff if they have any concerns.

One parent commented: “All the staff genuinely care; it’s their second home, there is a huge amount of care for the children and parents.”

ELSA sessions provide a safe, confidential space for children who might be struggling with a variety of issues to have some one-on-one time, or small group sessions where they can play games and chat about how they are feeling.

Vicarage Park offers a range of extra-curricular clubs including chess, story-telling club, Lego, computing, cross-stitch, dance, Glee club and many other sports to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of the children.

The school said these clubs are very well attended and parents appreciate the range of opportunities provided.

“Our wellbeing work is going to continue in the future with Coffee Mornings for parents/carers, we will maintain the high level of priority given to mental health and wellbeing and we will strive to ensure that our whole community is cared for.”