A KEIGHLEY-district school has won coveted recognition for its "excellent" mental health and wellbeing provision.

Parkside at Cullingworth has achieved the School Mental Health Award bronze accolade.

The award was established in 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, part of Leeds Beckett University, and social enterprise Minds Ahead.

As a result of Parkside's work, it has been asked to give a presentation to a conference this summer.

And the school is now aiming for the silver accolade, which would see its strategy delivered at a national level.

Parkside provides a wide range of activities to boost the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

It works with a number of agencies offering mental health support, including Keighley-based Project 6.

The school has developed an approach known as the Parkside Pathway, which offers interventions tailored to students' needs.

Headteacher Katharine Needham says: "I am delighted that the hard work of our wellbeing and welfare team has been recognised with this award.

"It demonstrates our commitment to our values – firstly wellbeing, but also developing courage and resilience to deal with the things that life throws at us."

A focal point of the school’s mental health and wellbeing provision is 'the bungalow'. Separate to the main school building, it features a newly-developed therapeutic garden designed by the students. It also has several rooms where sessions can be held in a calm and safe space.

Shaun Walker has achieved senior mental health lead accreditation and will continue to develop a range of strategies at the school.

Rachel C Boyle, dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, says: "The achievement of the School Mental Health Award is a demonstration of the school's significant commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and staff. 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."

Dean Johnstone, of Minds Ahead, said: "This award shines a light on the excellent work schools are doing to promote mental health for their community of children and adults.

"It's thrilling and humbling to learn about Parkside School and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition."