Home

Ethos and Aims

Red Balloon of the Air (RBAir) is a special educational provision that delivers a hybrid offer of interactive online and in-person sessions in a safe environment1.

We support young people aged 11 (Y7) – 20 (last admission at age 18), who are unable to attend mainstream school. The young people who join us have often had a disrupted educational journey, predominantly have social and emotional mental health (SEMH) needs, and are finding many aspects of life challenging. 

We support young people to Engage and Rebuild so that they will make progress by:

  • accessing a broad and balanced curriculum;
  • gaining the academic confidence to obtain the qualifications needed for successful future transition;
  • improving their communication and social skills;
  • developing emotional resilience to be better equipped to manage everyday stress and situations;
  • preparing for adulthood.

1 The online interactive platform has security filtering and monitoring systems on all devices used by learners and staff, and every learner undertakes an Online Safety module upon enrolling. Safer Recruitment guidelines are followed and robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place.

A core part of the provision focuses on young people being part of a community and feeling included. We offer this through developing trusting relationships between the learner and RBAir staff; having an opportunity for social group time with peers (when ready) in a small, supported environment both in person and online; ensuring that all learners’ needs are met and understood by staff working with them; demonstrating a commitment to equality and diversity.

Feeling safe is also about being heard. RBAir staff encourage learners to find and use their voice by offering negotiated learning, where learners move from individualised to group work at a pace that they can manage, and one which is tailored to their needs.

Each learner has an allocated Link Mentor, who works alongside them during their time at RBAir. Link Mentors are instrumental in connecting all parts of the provision and ensuring a learner-centred approach. Additionally, all our learners have the opportunity to receive therapeutic support from a qualified therapist – in this space, they can safely explore how they are feeling, coping and engaging with everyday life.

This ethos is underpinned by our core values:

Unconditional
Positive Regard

Mutual Respect

Inclusion

Collaboration

Scroll to Top