Wellbeing

Red House has a long-standing reputation as a caring school.

In the Junior School we promote manners, kindnesses and thoughtfulness. We place pupil well-being at the heart of everything we do. It is equally important to us as academic achievements.

Our first rate pastoral system encourages and enables children to build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with other children.

Our experienced staff are committed to ensuring every child is valued. All staff have an understanding of pupils’ pastoral needs and a pupil’s class teacher has particular responsibility to support each child. We offer a range of opportunities for personal development allowing the needs of individuals to be met.

Class teachers are also responsible for the delivery of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). This programme enables pupils to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding on a wide range of topics so that they can develop their own code of morals and values and become responsible and valued members of society.

An assembly or PSHE session takes place each morning. We also hold a weekly Achievement Assembly to celebrate individual and group successes.

We are delighted to have received the School Mental Health Award from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. We are proud to be the only independent school in the North East who have won this award, which demonstrates our passion for wellbeing and positive mental health. We work strategically to improve the wellness of our pupils, and this award has highlighted many areas of success, as well as helping us to plan for emotional health and wellbeing provision.

Our ‘Zen Den’ room offers pupils the opportunity for reflection, and mindfulness is embedded in our curriculum to help children develop coping skills and strategies. Children are encouraged to be mindful throughout their day, using breathing techniques and meditation.

Our outdoor classroom offers pupils the opportunity to learn new outdoor skills and also allows them to see education and learning as a multi-sensory experience.

We develop community links between the Junior and Senior Schools and the wider community. Examples include: Senior School pupils delivering a mental health assembly on the theme of ‘Hello Yellow’ to the pupils in the Junior School and children from the Junior School visiting local care homes to sing songs and play games with their residents.

In the Junior School, we have staff ‘Wellness Ambassadors’ for pupils. This is an opportunity to chat or sessions may include mindfulness or meditation and work on growth mindset and resilience.

Charlie, our Wellness Dog

Charlie, a black Labrador, is our official wellness dog. He is a much-loved member of the Red House family.

Charlie regularly attends the Junior School and Senior School and participates in a wide variety of activities.

All parents are asked for their consent for their child to be allowed access to him.

School dogs have been proven to help reduce anxiety, develop pupils’ academic confidence, increase their understanding of responsibility, develop empathy and nurturing skills, and provide companionship and a friendly welcome to school.

“The school has continued to develop its mindfulness programme and has ‘Zen’ clubs, wellness ambassadors and a wellbeing dog. Pupils throughout the school keep an ‘attitude of gratitude’ journal in which they record good deeds they have performed or received. These have a positive impact on behavior and attitudes in the school community. Pupils’ good mental health and wellbeing are a clear priority for the school, and pupils are supported effectively in these areas.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate

Safeguarding Leads

Miss Claire Thompson

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Samantha Lindsay-Symington

Designated Safeguarding Lead and Director of Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

Mrs Victoria Smith

Designated Safeguarding Lead (Junior School)

Mrs Nicola Cooper

Wellbeing Lead (Junior School)

Mrs Leanne Boyd-Smith

Governor (Safeguarding)

Dr Fiona Hunt

Governor (Deputy Safeguarding & Wellness)

Visit Us

Visit Us - School
Visit Us - School
Visit Us - School
Visit Us - School

Early Years Stay & Play: Monday 2 December, 2-3pm

Christmas is coming! Come and explore our friendly and happy Nursery where you and your child can enjoy an afternoon of festive fun. There will be lots of interactive activities including arts & crafts, storytelling and an elf hunt!

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Open Morning: Saturday 25 January 2025

Our Open Morning is a great way to discover what's so special about Red House and all we have to offer. You will be able to tour our fantastic facilities and meet our dedicated teachers.

+ Senior School: Arrival Time 9am
+ Nursery & Junior School: Arrival Time 9.30am

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Entry for Year 7 in 2025/2026

Registrations are being taken for children in Year 6 wishing to join Year 7 in 2025 and also for children in Year 5 wishing to join Year 7 in 2026.

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Taster Week: Monday 10 – Friday 14 March 2025

We are holding a number of Taster Days throughout the week of Monday 10 - Friday 14 March. Come and experience life at Red House School!

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