PUPILS at Penkford School in Newton-le-Willows have engaged in a programme of activities to promote emotional health and wellbeing during Children’s Mental Health Week.

An assembly launched the programme which saw pupils and staff practise Mindfulness, participating in yoga sessions, running a daily morning mile as well as enjoying healthy breakfasts and developing team work skills by undertaking demanding outdoor physical challenges.

The school has received much praise for its imaginative curriculum provision which promotes a midweek Enrichment afternoon, Resilience lessons, Forest School and also Outdoor Education.

Proactive and preventative approaches to helping young people include initiatives such as an onsite counselling service, an onsite half termly ADHD Clinic, use of the expertise of professionals from The Youth Offending Service and “Team Around Penkford School” multi agency meetings.

The school is known for its best practice in helping and supporting pupils who have ADHD and won the award of ADHD Friendly School last year.

Head teacher Julie Johnson said: “Our pupils have social emotional and mental health difficulties so any campaign that raises awareness of Mental Health issues is really beneficial for us. The theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is ‘being healthy inside and out’”.

"It is also about encouraging children to develop resilience and the ability to bounce back”.

"We have a series of planned activities all week aimed at lifting spirits, improving mood and increasing self-esteem and confidence”.

"Emotional health and wellbeing is a priority for us so this week provides us with a great opportunity to showcase all that we do."