Here’s something for children to smile about in the first week back at school. The quest to crown the nation's happiest pupil has begun.
As thousands of children, teachers and school staff return to work this week, the annual hunt for the happiest people and places in education gets underway. The National Happiness Awards are back, and in a brand new category this year, judges are looking for the nation’s most upbeat and inspiring children.
Britain’s only nationwide happiness awards honour those in education who make a real difference to learning through happiness. They include categories for the Happiest School, Happiest School Employee and now, Happiest Pupil. The winners of each will be celebrated at a gala awards ceremony in November.
The awards are run by learning and development company, Laughology, which is the pioneer behind the acclaimed Happy-Centred Schools programme. The National Happiness Awards recognise the vital role happiness plays in boosting pupil confidence and learning. Nominations are invited from individuals, parents, staff, schools, local authorities and communities.
Happiness in schools is a serious business. Schools, pupils and teachers are under more pressure than ever and happiness skills such as confidence, resilience and problem-solving - which are not covered in the National Curriculum, but are in huge demand from employers - have been shown to help teachers and pupils cope with the demands of education and improve engagement and results.
Laughology founder and CEO, Stephanie Davies explains: “Happiness is not just about laughing and joking and being happy all the time. Realistic happiness makes people and children healthier, more resilient and it promotes positive relationships and creativity. We are looking for the children, adults and schools that make a real difference and embody these themes. Past winners have all shown an understanding that school is not just about learning in the classroom but about development and involvement in all school life and the community beyond.”
Liz Miles, headteacher of last year’s Happiest School, Silverdale Primary Academy in East Sussex, said: “The award is brilliant for our school. The media interest has been positive. News of the award was instantly picked up by Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary. She came to the school, she met staff and pupils, she invited us up to the Houses of Parliament for a tour and has been so supportive of the work we have done.”
The awards are sponsored by Crown House Publishing Limited. Nominations for all categories are invited via the Laughology website, where full details are available.
The award ceremony will be held on November 17th at CIPD Wimbledon, in Wimbledon, London SW19.
Entries close on October 20th.
For more information contact Nick Harding, 07717 760714, nick.harding8@gmail.com
