YOGA, dancing and outdoor play were among activities that helped Glusburn children celebrate Mental Health Day.

Pupils of the village primary school took part in activities in support and recognition of the YoungMinds charity.

Children and staff explored ways to nurture their own good mental health, and wore yellow to raise money for the charity.

School head Richard Hunt said the school already recognised that children had a right to health care under Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

He added: "This is the first time that we have thought about what this means for mental health.

“Throughout the day we involved children in a range of relaxing and kind-minded activities. The children engaged in dancing, yoga, story massage and being in green spaces outside.

“Sports activities played a significant part of the day in addition to model making and playing board and card games. Staying fit, relaxing and talking about feelings are all important strategies."

YoungMinds works to support and empower children and young people whatever the challenges they face.

The charity said three children in every classroom had a mental health problem, and they deserved the best possible support to overcome life's difficulties.

The charity said: "The crisis in children and young people’s mental health is real and it is urgent. More children and young people than ever before are reaching out for help with their mental health. But for those who take that brave step, help is much too hard to find."

Glusburn Community Primary School was recently praised for the "timely support and intervention" it gives its own pupils and families.

The high praise came in a Safeguarding Audit carried out by Local Authority advisers, highlighting the school's work on child protection.

and families".

Acknowledgement was given to well-planned training for all staff and their confidence in putting into practice policies and procedures.

Mr Hunt said the school's latest behaviour policy, implemented in September, was highlighted for its impact on increasing positive behaviour expectations.

He said: "The school's 'rich curriculum programme' when teaching children to be safe, as well as our work integrating UNICEF's Rights Respecting School Framework, were both recognised for being well-developed, and were aligned to the new statutory requirements for Sex Education and for the promotion of British Values.

"Premises security and emergency procedures were also positively commented upon, as well as provision for children with medical needs and care plans."