Barnardo’s, in collaboration with SEL Worldwide, are pleased to announce that Kesh Primary School are one of the 2023 recipients of the SEL Worldwide Model School Award.  This award is in recognition of the high level of delivery of the PATHS® Programme for Schools (NI Version).  The PATHS® Programme is a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programme that is delivered in every class in the school.  To be awarded an SEL Model School award requires more than to have teachers doing a high-quality job of teaching the PATHS® Programme lessons in their classrooms. To create deeper transformation it is necessary to nurture a whole-school ethos that includes (1) embodying PATHS® Programme skills in the school's leadership, (2) using PATHS® Programme practices throughout the school so that these practices and values are integrated into everyday actions that nurture reflection, awareness, and caring; (3) creating a school culture in which teachers and staff will feel valued and nurtured, (4) creating positive expectations that students and staff will utilize PATHS® Programme skills throughout the school, with peers and adults, (5) communicating with parents and supporting the ability to use PATHS® Programme SEL skills at home.  For schools to achieve this award, it means they are putting children’s social and emotional needs at the heart of their education and prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in the school community.  This award is testament to the hard work of all involved in Kesh Primary School.