BGT finalist joins the hunt for Britain’s happiest schools

Britain’s Got Talent star Dave McPartlin knows all about judge’s comments. Which is why the headteacher of Flakefleet Primary School has joined the search for the nation’s happiest children and schools by becoming a National Happiness Awards judge.

The awards open for nominations this week.

Mr McPartlin was chosen to join the judging panel after Flakefleet was crowned Happiest Primary School at last year’s National Happiness Awards. The school impressed judges with its caring ethos, positive attitude and eye-catching initiatives.

The National Happiness Awards recognise the people and places within the education sector that make a positive difference by using humour and happiness to boost learning, mental health, resilience and wellbeing. The awards are a key advocate for raising awareness of the importance of using happiness in the classroom to tackle the growing mental health crisis in UK schools. Just last month psychologists at the British Psychological Society called on Ofsted to embed mental health and wellbeing at the heart of its inspections and guidance. On winning Flakefleet’s National Happiness Award last year, Mr McPartlin said: “We recently had a good Ofsted. But winning the award is what it's all about." The awards have been described as ‘better than an Ofsted’ by other former winners.

The education categories at this year’s awards are Happiest School Employee, Happiest Child (Primary), Happiest Young Person (Secondary), Happiest Primary School and Happiest Secondary School. Nominations are invited from individuals, parents, staff, schools and local authorities. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in London on November 22.

The National Happiness Awards were launched in 2016 by learning and development consultancy Laughology, the pioneer behind the acclaimed Happy-Centred Schools programme. They are supported by Sir Anthony Seldon, one of the country’s leading experts on happiness. They have also been backed by Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd.

National Happiness Awards founder, Stephanie Davies, said: “Happiness in education isn’t just about laughing and joking. It’s about creating schools where pupils can develop confidence, resilience, positive relationships and coping skills. Educators are increasingly realising that creating happy spaces where people can learn and support each other makes a real difference to outcomes. Flakefleet Primary School is a shining example of how happiness can be used to change lives and we are delighted to have Dave onboard as a judge.”

The National Happiness Awards are sponsored by gold education sponsor Twinkl and silver education sponsor Crown House Publishing.

Leon Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Twinkl and a National Happiness Awards judge, said: "We can learn so much from the people and places that bring happiness to others. I'm excited to hear from schools, teachers and children who have inspired happiness and wellbeing in all its forms. This is such an important part of education and a topic that is rightfully being discussed and explored now more than ever. The National Happiness Awards are a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate and highlight the amazing ways schools, staff and pupils are getting behind this."

For more details on the awards and how to nominate go to http://www.laughology.co.uk/happiness-awards/national-happin...

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