Levenmouth Academy achieve Gold standard for pioneering mental health programme

Levenmouth Academy, has become one of the first schools in Scotland to be awarded a Gold standard in the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools scheme. The school was rated Gold standard for its outstanding mental health and wellbeing provision.

Councillor Cara Hilton, Fife Council Spokesperson for Education, congratulated the school on its achievement, saying:

“We are all aware that good mental health and well-being is a key to success in life but is unfortunately an issue that many of our young people are really struggling with. It’s excellent to see that Levenmouth Academy are tackling this head on and doing so well. To be one of the first schools in Scotland to achieve this award is a huge accolade.  Well done to all those involved.”

Good mental health and wellbeing are now at the heart of the school, with a wide range of universal and targeted activities to boost the wellbeing of pupils and staff. This work has included a significant increase in the capacity of their Pupil Support provision. By increasing the number of full-time Principal Teachers of Guidance (PTG) by 50% they can now provide a higher level of personalised support for young people and families.

The school has also doubled Personal & Social Education (PSE) time for all young people to help the development of strong relationships and give more time to focus on issues like mental wellbeing in the curriculum.

Ruth McFarlane, Levenmouth Academy Head Teacher said:

‘We are delighted to be one of the first schools in Scotland to achieve the Gold Award. I’m exceptionally proud of the school community and their ongoing commitment to promote wellbeing. Lots of people have worked very hard to provide an extensive range of wellbeing supports and I thank them for their investment in our young people and in Levenmouth Academy. They are most definitely worth it!’

Further mental health and wellbeing improvements at the school include:

• Ensuring each young person has two planned, structured opportunities to see their own PTG each week
• 53 trained staff mental health first aiders
• Identified ‘safe spaces’ to enable young people to drop-in
• Full-time trained counsellors on-site
• Planned professional learning sessions for all staff, to help raise awareness of strategies to support young people
• A team of pupil wellbeing ambassadors

The school also has an extensive extracurricular programme for young people. Over 60 activities are available for young people every week with a focus on physical activity to support good mental health. Staff are also supported in their mental wellbeing through the weekly choir, yoga, football and bake & blether sessions.

Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said:

‘The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the school's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential. This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of’.