Working Towards the Carnegie Mental Health Award

Mental health is a growing priority in the education sector, and at Sedgefield Community College, an innovative approach - using dance sessions as a tool for emotional wellbeing – is helping to encourage a positive environment with pupil wellbeing at the centre.

The Carnegie Mental Health Award, developed by Leeds Beckett University, helps Academies assess and improve their approach to mental health. It achieves this by providing a framework which covers key areas such as leadership, staff training, student support and partnerships with external stakeholders.

The award utilises a developmental framework, allowing Academies to evaluate current mental health practices, identify gaps, develop and strengthen existing strategies and work towards building an emotionally healthier environment.

By making movement a key part in students’ life, we’re helping young people express themselves, build confidence, and support their mental health in a creative way.

“Some students see dance as a niche subject but we have a very diverse cohort here and as you’ve seen; it’s absolutely brilliant. Students are engaged, excited to try something different and explore their creativity”.

– Ellen Reed, Pastoral Lead in Safeguarding and Student Support.

The initiative has provided an opportunity for students to connect with their classmates, developing self-expression and engaging in physical activity – a vital contributor to better mental health.

We have also worked closely with primary schools and external mental health support networks, allowing for early intervention when students need additional help.

Ellen added -

“We work really closely with our local primary schools and have an abundance of support networks that come into schools which allows us to intervene and offer support at a much earlier stage.

In addition to the dance workshop, you have seen today, we also utilise our ‘Super Curriculum’ to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. These sessions include a wide range of enrichment activities and are incorporated into the school day to allow all students to develop existing interests and discover new ones too!”.

LST is encouraging all its Academies to take part in the Carnegie Mental Health Award journey, adopting tailored strategies which best fit the students’ needs. Whether through dance, mindfulness sessions or peer support programs, each Academy can develop an approach and that they find fit.