High Park School has been honoured with the Platinum Bradford Healthy Minds Chartermark Award, making it the first special setting to be recognised as a Beacon School in mental health.
High Park is a specialist school for children and young people with communication, interaction and profound and multiple learning difficulties aged 3 to 19 years. Many pupils also have multiple barriers to learning such as significant sensory processing needs, ADHD, epilepsy, hearing impairments and mental health needs.
The Chartermark not only aims to improve outcomes for children but also offers schools an opportunity to gain recognition for outstanding practices within the Bradford District. Schools achieving these awards demonstrate expertise in social, emotional, and mental health practices.
To earn the Platinum Award, High Park evidenced sustained and embedded practices over a five-year period. Their application was reviewed by a panel of Local Authority Officers from School Improvement/SEND, along with Head Teacher Representatives. The school was also visited by the Chartermark Moderation Team, who spoke with staff, children, and parents to witness first-hand the impact of the school’s hard work over the last five years.
Adrian Kneeshaw, CEO of Carlton Academy Trust, proudly commented, “This award is a major achievement for the school, and I am delighted that High Park has been recognised for their outstanding practices. To be the first special school acknowledged as a Beacon School in mental health highlights the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our staff, students, and wider school community.”
Bridie Dorning, Head of High Park School, said, “We are immensely proud of this award, it is a testament to our commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of the school community. ‘Learning for Life’ is central to our school ethos and this achievement demonstrates how our nurturing environment empowers our young people to develop their independence and acquire the skills to thrive in the world around them.”
The school will formally receive their award at a ceremony on Tuesday 2nd July 2024.