YOUNG people at Sharples Primary are all smiles.

And this is not surprising given the school is officially classed as an "outstandingly happy school".

The school has been recognised for nurturing happy children who are ready to take on any challenges facing them ­— who are able to put their worries behind them through using simple but effective techniques.

This includes writing 'any baggage' they are carrying on a sticker attaching it to a tennis ball before throwing it as far as possible.

Headteacher Gemma Partington said: "From the start of January 2020, Sharples School has placed mental health and well-being at the forefront of all decisions that it has made. We have been fortunate to work alongside The Art of Being Brilliant on this award.

"Children at Sharples are amazing and despite all the challenges the children have faced throughout the pandemic they have always entered school with a smile on their face ready to learn.

"The wellbeing sessions are fully embedded and centre around Brilliant Me and Brilliant We – our children are very supportive of each other."

She added:" The teachers are extremely proud of how the children have responded to the sessions. We are fortunate that the whole school community has contributed to the award, demonstrating that we are definitely ‘Stronger Together and we are overwhelmed to have been granted Gold status."

The Art of Being Brilliant judged the school to be outstandingly happy.

It stated: " Sharples Primary School is a great place to be. In challenging times, pupils and teachers have combined their efforts to embrace and rise to that challenge, both inside and outside of the classroom.

"The school is a place the community can be justifiably proud of; it’s truly an Outstandingly Happy School – and that’s official."

Year Five pupil Zaara Mogra said: " The activities were amazing and made me fell good about myself."

Mr Lloyd Assistant Head Teacher ‘The children have worked extremely hard focusing in such difficult times about how they can be more positive. Their resilience, determination and positivity has shone through. They really are outstandingly happy children.