AN ALVESTON school has been given a prestigious award in recognition of the support it gives to its students.


Marlwood School has been awarded a ‘Young People Friendly’ status by the NHS South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group.


The award is based on the Department of Health ‘You’re Welcome’ quality criteria which aims to improve the experience of users of the services and to encourage young people to share in the decisions around their health and life choices. 


Assistant headteacher Jon Gallop said: “This is a prestigious award given in recognition of the services provided by Marlwood to support students in terms of their mental health and well being, healthy relationships and healthy life choices. 


“The weekly drop in, run by the school health nursing service, looks to meet the needs of the young people in a manner which is positive and acceptable to them.

To achieve this, the views of the students were gathered regarding their ideas of what the ‘drop in’ should look like. 


“Having reviewed the responses the evidence of change was set out on a display where evidence of the school’s swift response to needs was set out.


“The integrated approach of the various services was applauded as extremely positive in meeting the needs of the young people without intruding upon their confidentiality.”


Mr Gallop added: “The school offers a variety of support services for troubled individuals as well as hosting a confidential arena where any student can openly discuss issues with a professional, trained in safeguarding, solution-focused therapy and health issues.


“This service aims to empower young people to start to be responsible for their own positive physical and mental health and be confident in doing this. 


“Well done Marlwood.”