Wellbeing

The personal wellbeing and development of our pupils is at the heart of everything we do.

Our unique family atmosphere creates a culture where pupils feel valued and respected. They are given opportunities to become increasingly independent and self-disciplined.

Pupils in the Senior School have a dedicated form tutor who provides daily support, encouragement and advice. The mutual respect and trust that is fostered between the form tutors and pupils plays a key role in our pastoral care.

Through our mindfulness programme, pupils are supported with their emotions and are taught strategies to equip them for any challenges they may face.

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.

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.

Here are a few of our initiatives, which demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting pupils’ emotional development and mental health.

  • A School Counsellor comes into school two days a week; this service is provided free of charge to the pupils.
  • Appointed staff ‘Wellness Ambassadors’ for pupils in the Senior School to either ‘drop in’ to chat to designated members of staff or they can book an appointment. Sessions may include mindfulness or meditation and work on growth mindset and resilience. It can also simply be an opportunity to ‘offload’ and chat.
  • Pupil ‘Wellness Ambassadors’ as we understand that children sometimes find it easier to relate to other children when they have worries or concerns. We have three Year 11 Prefects who have been appointed to this role. Not only are they on hand to chat and support the pupils with any worries they may have, they organise wellbeing activities at lunchtime and set weekly wellbeing goals with the pupils across the school.
  • 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. 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.
  • Wellbeing Walks are also offered on a lunchtime, weather permitting. This provides pupils with the chance to explore the local area off-site, take in some nature and socialise with friends.
  • Developing community links between the Junior and Senior Schools and the wider community. For example, children in Year 8 delivered a mental health assembly on the theme of ‘Hello Yellow’ to the pupils in the Junior School. Our Community Action Group sent a postcard and a chocolate bar to local neighbours to brighten up their day on World Mental Health Day.
  • Year 7 Transition Prefects provide enhanced support to pupils during their transition to Senior School life.
  • Our new and updated PSHE and RSE schemes of work are delivered in weekly, timetabled lessons where issues such as positive friendships, mental health, managing relationships, discrimination and prejudice, and various forms of abuse are covered in an age-appropriate way.
  • Additional training for staff. We have over 55 staff members qualified in ‘Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People’.
  • In-person Parent Guides meetings are offered to parents of pupils in Years 6-11. This is an opportunity to come into school, to meet key staff, including the pastoral team, and to find out more about the year ahead in order to support the transition between each year group.
  • Educational talks, for example, a police presentation to Years 7-11 on the dangers of online grooming and sexting.

“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

Mr Tom Thorogood

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Senior 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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