Praise for mental health and wellbeing at Red Oak

Red Oak Primary School is delighted to be recognised for its work to support the mental health and wellbeing (MHWB) of its pupils, families and staff.

Inspectors for the Minds Ahead School Mental Health Awards were highly complimentary of Red Oak, saying the school is “excelling” in all areas and has retained its Gold status  for the award.

The inspectors' report says that Red Oak uses the framework of the School Mental Health Awards to “excellent effect”, as it develops its MHWB strategies, structures and practices.

The school is praised for ensuring that systems of support for pupils’, families’ and staff MHWB are embedded in all areas and are at the top of leadership agendas.

The Minds Ahead report notes that “pupils expressing concerns are listened to” and that Red Oak has “clear strategies which are understood by pupils, school staff and parents to support pupils whose mental health is a cause for concern.”

The school’s dedicated pastoral team includes advanced trauma informed practitioners who provide expert support for children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences, as well as staff trained in bereavement support to guide pupils through loss and grief. 

The inspectors were pleased to see that pupils themselves get involved, with mental health ambassadors promoting MHWB awareness, sharing ideas, leading initiatives, and providing peer support.

The report says that the school values and nurtures relationships with parents and carers, with trauma-informed practitioners, bereavement-trained staff and mental health first aiders available to support families “with sensitivity and professionalism”.

“We are incredibly proud to retain our Gold status in these awards as it reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment.

“At Red Oak, supporting mental health and wellbeing is not an add-on - it is central to everything we do and is at the heart of our school culture.
 

“I would like to thank our entire school community - staff, pupils, parents and carers - whose willingness to have open conversations about these issues has helped us to excel in this area.”
 

Tracy Hailstone-Ahern
Headteacher of Red Oak Primary School

Lynsey Holzer, CEO of The Active Learning Trust, added: "This award is richly deserved - congratulations to everyone at Red Oak for working so hard to foster such a caring and inclusive school. 

“The school is a beacon, showcasing how important it is to make mental health a priority and how education and emotional wellbeing must go hand in hand.”