A DOWNEND junior school has been awarded ‘beacon school’ status for its work supporting the mental health and well-being of children and their families.
Christ Church Junior School has been given the Healthy Roots Quality Mark award by South Gloucestershire Council for providing evidence of “consistently outstanding” practices, policies, and procedures “to promote and improve the health and well-being of children, young people, staff, parents/carers, and the wider community”.
The beacon school award recognises schools which have been recognised more than three times within two academic years for an ongoing commitment to mental health.
The Healthy Roots Quality Mark has been added to the school’s Mental Health award, School Games Mark gold award, Young Carers bronze award and Church School Partnership gold award. Together the awards led the council panel to recognise the school as a ‘beacon setting’ in South Gloucestershire.
Head teacher Pippa Osborne said: “We are so delighted to have been recognised for the work we do to support children and their families.
“It is the most important aspect of education in schools, as without this holistic approach, children cannot fully access learning.
“I am so incredibly grateful to our staff team, as every single person works tirelessly to contribute to this caring ethos, striving to enable children to learn to live life in all its fullness.”
School inclusion leader Tracy Eatwell said: “We feel incredibly passionate about supporting positive mental health and well-being for our children.
“Every day we see how important it is that children feel safe, understood and supported, both in school and at home.
“When families are going through difficult times, it’s vital that we work together to provide the right support, helping children and their families feel heard and cared for.
“Being able to support some of our most vulnerable families and see positive outcomes for them is something I feel truly privileged to be part of.”
The school’s special educational needs and disabilities coordinator, Sadie Groves, said: “Our whole team shares the same commitment to nurturing and supporting every child.
“We genuinely care about our community, and it is wonderful to see our collective efforts recognised through this beacon school status.”