We’re Proud to Achieve National Wellbeing Recognition!
We are proud to announce that 13 schools across our Trust have been awarded the prestigious Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS) by Optimus Education. This accolade, which our schools will proudly hold for the next three years, underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of wellbeing for pupils, staff and the wider community.
The Wellbeing Award for Schools is a nationally recognized benchmark developed in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau. It sets rigorous standards across eight key objectives, ensuring that wellbeing is embedded into every aspect of school life. These objectives include:
- Commitment to Wellbeing – Demonstrating a whole-school approach where wellbeing is prioritized alongside academic achievement.
- Vision and Strategy – Establishing a clear, long-term plan to promote mental health and emotional resilience.
- Culture – Creating an inclusive environment where wellbeing is part of the school’s ethos.
- Staff Wellbeing – Supporting teachers and staff through policies, resources, and a positive workplace culture.
- Professional Development – Providing training and tools to equip staff with the skills to support wellbeing effectively.
- Support Services – Ensuring access to internal and external support for pupils and families.
- Community – Building strong partnerships with parents, carers, and local organizations.
- Wellbeing Networks – Sharing best practices and collaborating with other schools and agencies.
Leanne Frankish our Wellbeing Development Officer, expressed her pride in the achievement:
“This award reflects the dedication of our staff and the strength of our community. Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do because we know that happy, healthy children learn best. We are committed to sustaining this focus for years to come.”
Karen Burns our CEO, added:
“We are thrilled that 13 of our schools have achieved this award. It is a testament to the incredible work of our staff and the support of our families. This recognition highlights our belief that a strong focus on wellbeing complements high-quality teaching and helps every child to thrive.”
Our success comes at a time when mental health and wellbeing have become central priorities in education. By meeting the WAS criteria, we have demonstrated that our schools are not only places of learning but also safe, supportive environments where every child and adult can thrive.
Parents and carers have praised the initiative, noting improvements in communication, support services and the overall school atmosphere. With the Wellbeing Award secured for three years, our Trust is well-placed to maintain its reputation for excellence in both education and care.