Latest news with #CarolynnSouthcombe
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cottingham Primary School strikes gold with mental health prize
A village primary school has "set a fantastic example" by becoming the first in the area to receive a Healthy Schools gold award, a councillor Church of England Primary School, near Corby, Northamptonshire, was awarded the prize by North Northamptonshire Council on Tuesday, after receiving a silver award last Healthy Schools scheme, is a national mental health project that rates schools on how well they are promoting wellbeing, healthy eating and physical activity among pupils. Emily, a Year 6 pupil, said: "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," she added. The council said the school's Year 6 pupils have focused on giving, connecting with others, being active, taking notice and learning. Pupils have also taken part in a number of activities such as choir singing to a group of senior citizens and raising funds for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and the Corby foodbank. The pupils also took part in a breakdancing workshop and mini-football takeover day. Ashley Scott, the school's executive head teacher, said receiving the award "does not mean our job is done". "We have already signed up for a number of events from September that will further enhance our approach to mental health and wellbeing."Carolynn Southcombe, the school's administrator and the driving force behind the project, said: "Looking after mental health and wellbeing is paramount for children for their education, wellbeing and happiness. "If a child isn't happy, they aren't going to learn."I try to work with some children about anxiety and how they can cope, and use yoga breathing and exercises to cope." Brian Benneyworth, a Reform UK councillor and the executive member for health and leisure on the authority, said: "Their dedication to health and wellbeing 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. "It's wonderful to see young people so engaged in shaping a healthier and connected future." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cottingham Primary School pupils aim for mental health gold
A primary school is aiming to be the first in the North Northamptonshire area to receive a Healthy Schools gold Primary, near Corby, is attempting to secure the top prize having gained a silver last Healthy Schools scheme is a self-assessed mental health project that schools take part in nationally, to help boost pupils' administrator Carolynn Southcombe said: "Looking after mental health and wellbeing is paramount for children for their education, wellbeing and happiness. If a child isn't happy, they aren't going to learn." The school achieved the bronze award in February 2024 before receiving the silver award later in the hopes to reach gold level standard by the Falconer's Hill Academy was the first school in the county to be presented with the top award. Cottingham would become the first in the North Northamptonshire Council area to receive it. Year Six pupils have been focusing on 'giving', 'connecting', 'being active', 'taking notice' and 'learning', as part of their work towards the have donated to a food bank in Corby, held a family afternoon and taken part in yoga sessions run by Mrs Southcombe."I try to work with some children about anxiety and how they can cope, and use yoga breathing and exercises to cope," she said. Year Six pupil Reuben has been working on his own fundraising mission to contribute towards the award."For 'giving', we've been doing quite a lot of fundraisers. We did a little raffle and raised £300 for Cransley Hospice," he said working on the project made them feel "more kind", "happier" and "confident". Ashley Scott, executive head teacher, said: "As a school we have to adapt and manage children's needs, whether they're four years old with anxieties, or a Year Six child that has worries about social media."BBC Radio Northampton is supporting Headfest - an annual festival focused on mental health and wellbeing, with an emphasis on schools this year.
