Holyhead Primary Academy in Wednesbury has been awarded the Sandwell Wellbeing Charter Mark Award in recognition of its sustained, whole-school commitment to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, staff and families.
The award forms part of the Sandwell Wellbeing Charter Mark programme, a local initiative coordinated by Sandwell Council educational psychologists. It supports schools in developing whole-school approaches to wellbeing through reflection, surveys, pupil and staff voice, and action planning.
The process is designed to help schools evaluate current practice and further develop provision over time.
At Holyhead Primary Academy, wellbeing is embedded across school life and the curriculum delivery. The school places a strong emphasis on emotional literacy and resilience, and on creating a safe and ‘inclusive environment’ in which children feel supported, treat each other with ‘respect and kindness’ and are able to learn.
Wellbeing is promoted through curriculum areas such as PSHE and wider classroom practice, with assembles and learning resources used to encourage age-appropriate discussion around mental health and emotional understanding.
The Academy also provides a range of ‘tailored’ individual and group support for pupils who require ‘adaptive teaching’. This may include small-group provision, mentoring and play-based therapeutic support, with interventions adapted to individual needs and regularly reviewed by ‘nurturing’ staff.
Where appropriate, the school works in partnership with external agencies, including local services and charities, to ensure that children and families can access further support when required. The school also places importance on inclusion and family engagement, ensuring that parents and carers are involved in supporting wellbeing across the school community.
Natalie Shipley, Principal at Holyhead Primary Academy, said: “Children cannot thrive academically unless they feel safe, supported and understood, and that belief has shaped our approach to school life at Holyhead for many years. We’re delighted to have received this recognition because it reflects the care, consistency and commitment shown across our whole school community every day. From the relationships staff build with pupils to the trust and partnership we continue to develop with families.
“Some of the most important outcomes are not always easy to measure, but we see them in the confidence children develop, the way they support one another and the reassurance families feel in knowing their children are happy and ready to learn. We are incredibly proud of what our community has achieved together and grateful for the continued support of our families and staff.”
The Sandwell Wellbeing Charter Mark is designed to support schools in developing and sustaining effective approaches to mental health and wellbeing, with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration across the school community.
Holyhead Primary Academy said it will continue to build on this work as part of its wider commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all pupils.
