Wellbeing

There is a powerful connection observed between a child’s health, wellbeing, and their ability to access education. Pupils face medical challenges that many cannot imagine, yet they consistently demonstrate an incredible desire to learn. However, true learning becomes possible only when emotional safety, mental health, and physical wellbeing are prioritised.

In hospital school education, care and curriculum are not separate entities; they are intertwined. A child cannot focus on learning if they are in pain, feeling anxious, or experiencing isolation. While our setting may be unique, this principle applies universally across every classroom in every school.

Wellbeing is not an add-on; it is a prerequisite for learning. Supporting the whole child means creating environments where they feel seen, heard, and supported, whether they are in a hospital bed, a mainstream classroom, or a community setting.

By embedding this understanding across the education system, schools can become more inclusive, compassionate, and effective. Let us continue to place wellbeing at the heart of education, for it is where true learning begins.

A Culture of Care at Hospital School

At Hospital School, there is a strong commitment to promoting wellbeing throughout the entire school community. Recognising that wellbeing is essential for both students and staff, the school adopts a holistic approach to ensure that everyone can thrive and “be the best they can be.”

What Does It Look Like?

Curriculum Access

Pupils are provided with a broad and balanced curriculum, allowing them to study a variety of subjects during their time at Hospital School.
Our team consists of specialist and highly qualified teaching and support staff, each bringing expertise in their respective subject areas.

PSHE Education

A weekly timetabled PSHE lesson focuses on key areas such as personal development, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) education, relationships and sex education (RSHE), mental health and wellbeing, British Values, and careers information and guidance (CIAG).
The curriculum employs a tiered approach, revisiting topics with increasing depth each year to ensure that knowledge can be recalled and developed as pupils progress over time.

Community Voice

The voices of pupils and staff are integral to the development of ideas and initiatives aimed at enhancing wellbeing within the school community.
Hospital School fosters an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to achieve their ambitions. Open discussions about wellbeing are encouraged, making it a norm to seek advice and support.

By prioritising wellbeing, Hospital School creates a nurturing environment where both pupils and staff can flourish, ultimately leading to exceptional teaching and learning outcomes.

Therapeutic Offer

River Tees Hospital School offers a unique service to its pupils. We employ a range of skilled professionals who are trained in a range of emotional wellbeing and mental health support areas, including art-based intervention, Thrive, cognitive behaviour therapy, counselling and behaviour therapy.

Staff are available throughout the school day, and whilst, it is always preferable to have therapeutic support proactively planned, staff are also available to support reactively.

Our specialists in the Trust are employed to work directly with our pupils who have significant needs around their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Our specialists complete a comprehensive assessment of need by observing and listening to the young person, their parents/carers and any other agencies involved. They use a range of evidence-based assessment tools to gather information, to create a working hypothesis to design individual interventions. We evaluate progress periodically, to ensure that progress is clearly being made and we measure this carefully.

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing at Hospital School

At River Tees Hospital School, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. We recognise that all children experience ups and downs, and our commitment to supporting their mental wellbeing is integral to their overall educational experience.

For Pupils

We provide a calm, safe, and supportive environment where every pupil feels valued and ready to learn. Our whole-school approach to mental health includes:

Tailored pastoral support to address individual mental health needs and barriers to attendance.
Sensitive and timely conversations with pupils and their families to develop personalised plans that support both wellbeing and academic progress.
Reasonable adjustments such as access to quiet spaces, trusted adults for regular check-ins, and additional educational support where anxiety about academic catch-up is a concern.
Collaboration with external professionals including Mental Health Support Teams, counsellors, school nurses, and community services to provide integrated care and support.
A high-quality, age-appropriate curriculum that promotes emotional wellbeing, respectful relationships, and social development.

For Staff

We recognise that supporting the mental health of our staff is essential to maintaining a nurturing and effective learning environment for our pupils. Our commitment to staff wellbeing includes:

Providing access to mental health and wellbeing resources, including counselling and employee assistance programmes.
Promoting a culture of openness where staff feel safe to discuss mental health concerns without stigma, facilitated by our fully qualified supervisors.
Training and development opportunities to equip staff with knowledge and skills to manage their own wellbeing and support pupils effectively.
Ensuring workload management and a supportive leadership approach that recognises the emotional demands of working in a hospital school setting.
Encouraging regular wellbeing check-ins with our wellbeing champions and peer support networks to foster a resilient and compassionate staff community.

By prioritising the mental health of both pupils and staff, River Tees Hospital School creates an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive, recover and achieve their full potential.

Time To Talk – Meet Our Wellbeing Champions & Supervisors

Creating a Supportive Environment

We strive to create an environment where every pupil feels seen, heard, and supported. By fostering open discussions about mental health, we aim to reduce stigma and encourage students to seek help when needed. Our commitment to wellbeing is not just an initiative; it is a fundamental part of our school culture.

Together, we can ensure that every child at Hospital School receives the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing beyond Hospital School

Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting their children’s emotional and mental health. Early involvement in conversations about attendance and wellbeing is essential. We encourage parents and carers to engage with school staff to develop plans that address any anxieties about attending school. These plans will include regular review points to ensure they are effective and tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Mental Health Support Systems

Identification and Referral: Our school has clear systems in place for identifying potential mental health issues. This includes pathways for escalation and referral to appropriate services, ensuring that children receive the support they need promptly.
Senior Mental Health Lead: We have designated a Senior Mental Health Lead, who is part of our senior leadership team. This role is crucial in promoting a whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing, ensuring that our strategies are effective and comprehensive.
Training and Resources: We are committed to ongoing training for our staff, utilising resources from Public Health England and other reputable organisations. This training helps staff to promote resilience and wellbeing among our pupils.
Collaboration with Health Services: We work closely with health professionals, including community paediatricians, psychologists, and therapists, to provide early identification, assessment, and intervention for students with mental health needs. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that we address the health and wellbeing of our pupils holistically.
Digital Mental Health Services: We also provide access to digital mental health services, such as Kooth, which offers support for young people aged 11-18 across Tees Valley. Kooth provides 24/7 access to articles, discussion boards, peer support, and the opportunity to chat with online counsellors. This resource is invaluable for students seeking help outside of traditional school hours.