Cottingham Primary School Celebrates Gold Status in Health and Well-being Initiative
Cottingham C of E Primary School recently celebrated its achievement of gold status in the Healthy Schools programme, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to promoting health and well-being among students. The school was officially awarded a gold wall plaque during a special event filled with activities, celebrations, and recognition of the hard work put in by both pupils and staff.
This accomplishment follows previous successes, as the school had already earned bronze and silver awards under the supervision of North Northamptonshire Council’s Public Health team. To achieve gold status, schools are required to implement a comprehensive health and well-being initiative that encourages students to focus on five key areas: giving, connecting, being active, taking notice, and learning.
Ashley Scott, the executive headteacher, expressed her pride in the achievement but also emphasized that this is just the beginning. “Receiving the Healthy Schools Gold award does not mean our job is done,” she said. “We will continue to strive to offer a local Church of England primary school that children want to attend. We have already signed up for a number of events from September that will further enhance our approach to mental health and well-being.”
A Holistic Approach to Learning and Well-being
The school has taken a proactive approach to integrating health and well-being into the curriculum. Through various initiatives, students have engaged in educational sessions that extend beyond the classroom and into the wider community. Year Six pupils, in particular, have been focusing on the five core themes as part of their work towards the award. They completed a wide range of activities, including performing for senior citizens, fundraising for the Air Ambulance, participating in break dancing workshops, and organizing a mini football takeover day.
Carolynn Southcombe, the school administrator who played a key role in driving the project forward, highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being for students. “Looking after mental health and well-being is paramount for children for their education, well-being and happiness. If a child isn’t happy, they aren’t going to learn,” she explained. She added that she works closely with students to help them manage anxiety through yoga breathing exercises and other techniques.
Positive Outcomes and Community Engagement
The efforts of the school have led to measurable improvements in the categories of giving, connecting, and being active among both students and staff. Students have reported feeling more kind, happier, and more confident as a result of their involvement in the project.
The celebration of the gold status included a variety of engaging activities. Children dressed in gold, enjoyed a healthy breakfast, met the Air Ambulance mascot, played games, and danced at a school disco. As part of the event, the school raised £677.97 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance charity.
Cllr Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council’s executive member for health and leisure, and Helene Denness, deputy director for Public Health, attended the event and praised the school’s dedication. “I congratulate the pupils and staff of Cottingham C of E Primary for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to health and well-being,” Cllr Benneyworth said. “Their dedication to health and well-being and raising awareness of the importance of connecting, giving and getting active is truly inspiring and sets a fantastic example for schools across the county.”
Continuing the Journey
The school’s success builds on its previous achievements, including the silver award when it increased the number of pupils meeting the daily 60-minute activity goal. Emily Rutter, a Year 6 pupil, shared her personal experience: “I am keeping up habits by giving, getting active and connecting with other people. I am enjoying the gold award activities because of all the activities and mindfulness.”
As the school continues its journey, it remains focused on fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally. The gold status is not just a recognition of past efforts but a foundation for future growth and innovation in health and well-being education.
