Hunters Hall Primary School in Dagenham has been recognised for its excellence in the way it supports the wellbeing of its pupils to prevent mental health issues.

The school adopts the Thrive Approach, which trains teachers and other education professionals to support children's emotional and social development.

Thrive crowned Hunters Hall an Ambassador School last year for demonstrating excellence in leadership and the environment and has recently awarded them three further accolades.

Assessors praised the school for the journey it had taken and the pride that staff and pupils take in its success.

"Our children can now understand their feelings and how to express them – something that is essential to good mental health, to healthy relationships and to being authentic to themselves."

Headteacher, Selina Frazer, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the whole school community because these awards recognise that we have held steadfast to our vision of putting wellbeing at the centre of school life.

"This is something that all staff here really believe in and help put into practice.

"Our children can now understand their feelings and how to express them – something that is essential to good mental health, to healthy relationships and to being authentic to themselves."

As well as submitting an in-depth application form, Thrive staff visited the school to observe and assess how the school implements the Thrive Approach.

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: "Congratulations to everyone at Hunters Hall Primary School for having their hard work recognised in this way.

"Helping children learn how to communicate their needs and understand their emotions is key to ensuring they are happy at school and able to access learning."

Commenting on Hunters Hall's success Alistair Dewar, Thrive Relationship Manger for London, said: "Everyone at Hunters Hall has worked hard to achieve these three additional awards which recognise that mental and emotional wellbeing is well and truly at the heart of life at school.

"This is something that is now more important than ever given the COVID-19 pandemic and the recognition that children's mental wellbeing is essential for attainment and life-long learning.