Ladies’ College first senior CI school to gain wellbeing award
THE Ladies’ College is the first senior school in the Channel Islands to achieve the Wellbeing Award for Schools.
It recognises commitment to the highest standards of provision for student and staff mental health and wellbeing, both in the UK and internationally.
Melrose became the first primary school to achieve the award in 2019.
‘We care as much about a student’s wellbeing and happiness as we do about their academic progress,’ said principal Ashley Clancy.
‘A young person will achieve their best if they are happy, healthy, and inspired to do well by teachers and peers who care about them as individuals.’
Solidarity and unity is promoted amongst the school and its students, aiming to nurture a close-knit community which feels safe and supportive.
In the inspection report, the inspector said the wellbeing of staff, students and parents was a key priority before the college embarked upon the award, resulting in a culture of mutual respect, a team with high morale and staff who are proud of the school.
‘Wellbeing has been at the core of our work here for some time and this was an opportunity for us to gain objective, external scrutiny of our provision,’ said Dr Vanessa Mitchell, deputy principal (pastoral), who led the award process for 15 months.
‘It was the opportunity to look to enhance and develop what we were already doing.’
Stakeholders gave detailed feedback on provision for staff and student wellbeing, which led Dr Mitchell, with a team of parents, students and staff, to analyse the results to look for areas of development together with stakeholders. Wellbeing teams were created to give feedback and progress provision further.
Some key areas highlighted by the inspector included the recent introduction of student wellbeing champions, links with parents, and proactive interventions to remove mental health stigma.
Training and workshops were given in school on self-esteem, managing stress and spotting distress signs in adolescents.
Part of the qualifying period was during March to May last year when the island was in lockdown when online teaching, continued contact with tutors, positive social media engagement and celebrating community achievements were continued to support wellbeing.
About the award
Optimus Education developed it in partnership with an educational psychologist and the National Children’s Bureau.
It provides a rigorous framework to implement a range of strategies which bring positive change to the whole school’s wellbeing and mental health.
Since being founded four years ago, 416 schools have achieved the award – 19% of which are secondary schools and 9% independent schools – with more than 1,000 schools working towards it.
