Primary school strikes gold with wellbeing prize

A village primary school has "set a fantastic example" by becoming the first in the area to receive a Healthy Schools gold award, a councillor said.

Cottingham Church of England Primary School, near Corby, Northamptonshire, was awarded the prize by North Northamptonshire Council on Tuesday, after receiving a silver award last year.

The Healthy Schools scheme, is a national mental health project that rates schools on how well they are promoting wellbeing, healthy eating and physical activity among pupils.

Emily, a Year 6 pupil, said: "I am keeping up habits by giving, getting active and connecting with other people."

"I am enjoying the gold award activities because of all the activities and mindfulness," she added.

The council said the school's Year 6 pupils have focused on giving, connecting with others, being active, taking notice and learning.

Pupils have also taken part in a number of activities such as choir singing to a group of senior citizens and raising funds for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and the Corby foodbank.

The pupils also took part in a breakdancing workshop and mini-football takeover day.

Ashley Scott, the school's executive head teacher, said receiving the award "does not mean our job is done".

"We have already signed up for a number of events from September that will further enhance our approach to mental health and wellbeing."

Carolynn Southcombe, the school's administrator and the driving force behind the project, said: "Looking after mental health and wellbeing is paramount for children for their education, wellbeing and happiness.

"If a child isn't happy, they aren't going to learn.

"I try to work with some children about anxiety and how they can cope, and use yoga breathing and exercises to cope."

Brian Benneyworth, a Reform UK councillor and the executive member for health and leisure on the authority, said: "Their dedication to health and wellbeing and raising awareness of the importance of connecting, giving and getting active is truly inspiring and sets a fantastic example for schools across the county.

"It's wonderful to see young people so engaged in shaping a healthier and connected future."

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