Health and Wellbeing

At River Tees Hospital School, the health and wellbeing of our pupils are at the heart of our Personal Development curriculum. We recognise that a holistic approach to health encompassing physical, emotional and mental wellbeing is essential for our pupils to thrive both academically and personally.

Our curriculum is designed to embed health and wellbeing across all aspects of school life, ensuring that every pupil receives the support they need to develop resilience, confidence, and independence. Through a variety of engaging activities, including tailored PSHE lessons, mindfulness practises and social enrichment programmes, we empower pupils to understand and manage their own wellbeing effectively.

We also promote healthy lifestyles by providing opportunities for physical activity and encouraging nutritious eating habits within our academic curriculum offer. By addressing the unique challenges faced by our pupils in a hospital setting, we create an inclusive environment where pupils feel safe, supported and valued.

Our commitment to health and wellbeing not only prepares pupils for their immediate educational journey but also equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate life beyond school. By fostering a culture of wellbeing, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society and lead fulfilling lives.

At River Tees Hospital School, we prioritise the wellbeing of our pupils, ensuring they have access to a high level of pastoral support. Each pupil is assigned a form tutor and a dedicated teaching assistant, to support behaviour for learning and addressing educational needs.

Our pastoral team works closely with external agencies to enhance pupil wellbeing, collaborating with professionals and families to address any emerging needs. Wellbeing is woven into the fabric of our school culture, actively promoted during tutor time and weekly assemblies. These assemblies, led by various staff members or guest speakers, focus on key themes that help students understand the wider community, core values, and global issues.

For those requiring additional support, we offer therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs. Our teaching assistants regularly meet with pupils to set and work towards short, medium, and long-term SMART targets, fostering personal growth and development.

Our school also emphasises the importance of smooth transitions, whether from primary to secondary, KS3 to KS4, or Post-16. We implement focused transition periods, allowing pupils to familiarise themselves with new routines in advance.

Additionally, our pupils actively engage in charitable initiatives, organising events like cake stalls or contributing to local food banks and the local residential care home. Each tutor group will work towards raising both funds and awareness about the vital work these organisations do.

Through these comprehensive wellbeing initiatives, we strive to create a nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive and recognise their potential.