Schools have been invited to banish the post-summer blues by entering the National Happiness Awards.

The Awards exist to identify and celebrate innovative organisations and individuals making lives better through happiness. Organisers hope that this year’s event, which takes place just weeks after Brexit (on the current timetable), will provide a positive focus and highlight the steps schools are taking to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of their pupils.

Education categories are Happiest Primary School, Happiest Secondary School, Happiest Child (Primary), Happiest Young Person (Secondary) and Happiest School Employee.

Nominations are invited from primary schools, secondary schools and colleges. The head of last year’s Happiest School, Flakefleet Primary, says that winning the accolade was better than getting a good Ofsted. The school became a finalist in ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent and headteacher, Dave McPartlin, is now a member of this year’s National Happiness Awards judging panel.

National Happiness Awards founder, Stephanie Davies, said: “At a time of uncertainty, when a report from The Children’s Society identifies childhood unhappiness as a ‘national scandal’, it’s important to identify those people and places that are addressing this issue and taking measures to create happiness. The National Happiness Awards are a celebration of positivity and focus on schools in the UK that are introducing remarkable initiatives to develop resilient, confident and happy young people. Each year we are amazed at the brilliant people and places we receive nominations for.”

The awards are judged by an independent panel which includes education specialists and psychologists. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in London on November 22nd.

For more information go to the website.

Image by Prashant Sharma from Pixabay