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Primary school pupils going for mental health gold

Ollie Conopo
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Reporting fromCottingham
BBC Boys and girls in red jumpers, red polo shirts and white shirts in two rows on a playground, looking at the camera.BBC
Year Six pupils at Cottingham Primary School are looking to scoop a top award

A primary school is aiming to be the first in the North Northamptonshire area to receive a Healthy Schools gold award.

Cottingham Primary, near Corby, is attempting to secure the top prize having gained a silver last year.

The Healthy Schools scheme is a self-assessed mental health project that schools take part in nationally, to help boost pupils' wellbeing.

School administrator Carolynn Southcombe said: "Looking after mental health and wellbeing is paramount for children for their education, wellbeing and happiness. If a child isn't happy, they aren't going to learn."

Carolynn Southcombe smiling at the camera in her office. She has brown shoulder-length hair and is wearing a green flowery top.
Carolynn Southcombe, the school administrator, said good mental health was vital for learning

The school achieved the bronze award in February 2024 before receiving the silver award later in the year.

It hopes to reach gold level standard by the summer.

Daventry-based Falconer's Hill Academy was the first school in the county to be presented with the top award. Cottingham would become the first in the North Northamptonshire Council area to receive it.

Year Six pupils have been focusing on 'giving', 'connecting', 'being active', 'taking notice' and 'learning', as part of their work towards the award.

They have donated to a food bank in Corby, held a family afternoon and taken part in yoga sessions run by Mrs Southcombe.

"I try to work with some children about anxiety and how they can cope, and use yoga breathing and exercises to cope," she said.

Nine children in red jumpers and white polo shirts standing on a playground with trees and grass in the background.
Year Six pupils have been fundraising as part of the Healthy Schools scheme

Year Six pupil Reuben has been working on his own fundraising mission to contribute towards the award.

"For 'giving', we've been doing quite a lot of fundraisers. We did a little raffle and raised £300 for Cransley Hospice," he said.

Students said working on the project made them feel "more kind", "happier" and "confident".

Ashley Scott standing in front of a wall with a red clock to the right and posters to the left. He has spiked up grey hair and stubble, and is wearing a grey hoodie.
Ashley Scott, executive head teacher, said the school needed to manage different pupils' needs

Ashley Scott, executive head teacher, said: "As a school we have to adapt and manage children's needs, whether they're four years old with anxieties, or a Year Six child that has worries about social media."

BBC Radio Northampton is supporting Headfest - an annual festival focused on mental health and wellbeing, with an emphasis on schools this year.

More on Headfest
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