A Barking and Dagenham school has scooped a prestigious national award for their work to improve the health and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

All Saints Catholic School achieved the silver Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools from Leeds Beckett University.

The award demonstrates that a school is excelling in providing policies and initiatives that work towards improving the emotional health and wellbeing for staff and pupils.

In order to achieve the standard, the Terling Road school had to supply evidence of work across eight key areas including support for teachers and students, as well as working with parents. 

Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: “It is wonderful that our schools are receiving national recognition for their work in helping protect and improve the health and wellbeing of pupils and their employees. 

“We know there has long been a stigma around mental health issues and this helps us take important steps towards saying it is ok to not be ok and that help is available if anyone needs it.” 

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools was created in 2017 to help improve mental health support in schools. 

Clare Cantle, headteacher at All Saints Catholic School, said: “We are very happy to have been recognised for the focus and effort all our staff place on mental wellbeing and health, from our inclusion team and pastoral leaders to our teachers and receptionists. 

“Everyone has a leadership role when it comes to safeguarding and positive wellbeing of our pupils.”

Across Barking and Dagenham, nine out of ten schools are rated good to outstanding by Ofsted inspectors.