Surrey primary school wins awards for its focus on pupils' mental wellbeing

A school in Caterham, Surrey, has been named as a thrive ambassador school with two areas of expertise for the role it plays in supporting the wellbeing of its pupils in order to prevent mental health issues.

Hillcroft Primary School, in Chaldon Road, has been named as an ambassador school with excellence in the environment and excellence in reparative after going through a rigorous assessment process by thrive, which trains teachers and other education professionals to support the emotional and social development of children.

Diane Curtis, Thrive Relationship Manager for the South East, said: "Hillcroft Primary School is a fantastic example of a school that has placed mental wellbeing at the heart of everything it does."

The environment award recognises extraordinary schools which are making a positive impact on their pupils and on the wider community by having a focus on emotional wellbeing and creating an environment in which children's wellbeing thrives.

The reparative award recognises schools that have excelled in helping children who have gaps in their social and emotional development and are successfully meeting their needs.

Donna Hardcastle, assistant headteacher, said: "It was overwhelming to hear that we had been named as an ambassador school in two areas. We are really proud of our achievements and it's so lovely to be recognised for what we've done as a school.

"Every child in this school knows that there is someone here who will listen to them - and we can see what a difference this approach makes to them. We know that thrive has made a huge difference to our pupils' general wellbeing and has also improved behaviour."

Over to you

Are you leading the way in developing happy, emotionally-resilient children or young people? Are you feeling the impact of embedding the Thrive Approach throughout your setting? You too may be eligible for Thrive Ambassador School status. Click here to find out how to apply.