SEVERAL Keighley-area primary schools have won recognition for the mental health support they provide.

Healthy Minds Chartermark awards have been presented to more than a dozen schools across the Bradford district.

Silver, gold and platinum accolades are awarded as a salute to the support offered to both pupils and staff, with mental health and wellbeing issues.

The scheme, now in its third year, is staged jointly by Bradford Council and the Bradford District Health and Care Partnership.

Latest honours were handed out by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Beverley Mullaney, in a ceremony at the city's Midland Hotel.

During the event, schools shared details of several successful initiatives.

Keighley's Worth Valley Primary School – a silver award winner – described how Winnie, a cockapoo therapy dog, brings "joy and comfort" to the whole school community.

Other schools to receive the Healthy Minds Chartermark silver award included Steeton Primary and Holycroft, Keighley.

And Parkwood Primary in Keighley was one of two Bradford-district schools to achieve the gold award.

Councillor Sue Duffy, Bradford Council's executive member for children and families, says: "Our schools have a vital role in supporting children’s mental health, and the charter mark highlights the significant work they are doing.

"Good mental health and emotional wellbeing is essential for children and young people so that they can get the most out of their education and thrive at school. It is wonderful to hear about the wide range of care and support our schools offer to pupils, families and staff."

Dr Ruth Dennis, principal educational psychologist at the council, says: "The Healthy Minds Chartermark is a chance for schools to develop their whole school support around wellbeing and mental health needs, and to showcase their good practice – with examples including the creation of quiet spaces, having ‘happiness heroes’ and using gentler colours and softer lighting.

"These approaches not only support mental health for all pupils, but are also key to meeting the needs of children experiencing special educational needs and disabilities.

"Each of these schools has a senior mental health lead. And many of them have attended our Bradford senior mental health lead training, which has been approved by the Department for Education.

"We're delighted that more and more schools across the district are achieving the awards and we hope to see even more sign up in the future."

For further information about the programme, go to bso.bradford.gov.uk/content/mental-health/healthy-minds/bradford-healthy-minds-chartermark