Chilton Primary in Ramsgate is the first Thanet school to achieve excellence criteria in prioritising mental health and well-being to a very high standard.

Using the Thrive Approach, the school has been accredited in reparative, leadership, environment and right-time categories.

Assistant Head of School Carly Reavill and Inclusion Lead explained: “In practice we have are range of important initiatives that are clearly benefitting our pupils.

“These include daily check ins and a ‘thrive lunch’ where the children can play in our scooter park, use our forest school, create dens, play with role play and a whole host of sports.

“We also provide breakfast for every child in the classroom, we have ‘thrive well-being sessions’ in class and offer one to one and small group wellbeing sessions.

“We also enjoy a ‘Monday game day’ where the children can play games as they come in to school to start their week.”

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved four areas of excellence with Thrive. The positive impact of prioritising mental health and wellbeing is clear to see, and it is making a real difference to our children every day.”

The school will begin its application for the final area of excellence – relationship – imminently, that will qualify it for an overall Thrive School of Excellence Award, the highest level of achievement in Thrive’s ambassador schools’ scheme.

Deputy Head of School Hannah Cheshire added: “Thrive at Chilton means we prioritise children's mental health and well-being and put it at the heart of everything we do.

“We take a systematic approach towards wellbeing by taking steps to address any gaps in social and emotional development.”

Chilton Primary is part of the Viking Academy trust with partner schools Ramsgate Arts Primary and Upton Junior.