Red Balloon Founder Visits RBET Norfolk

On 5th January 2024, Red Balloon Founder Carrie Herbert and Trustee Ruth Loshak came to Earlham Road and were warmly welcomed by our body of staff, old and new to deliver a personalised training session as part of staff induction.

It was stressed that although we may be considered a ‘school’ by outside agencies, we do everything in our power to be a welcoming home environment, putting young people as our priority and to them, we offer a ‘first class service’ as part of a safe and supportive community. Carrie explained the importance of negotiating the curriculum and unconditional positive regard, providing non-judgmental support so our learners feel valued, respected and accepted for themselves in an encouraging environment.

Carrie and Ruth emphasised the importance of the three requirements that a young person agrees to as part of their arrival, contributing to whole centre respect. Their invaluable and incredibly personal session shared with us the ethos of what it means to be a Red Balloon, ensuring we place our young people at the heart and soul of everything we do. After this, in true Red Balloon style, we enjoyed a freshly made lunch together, prepared by our wonderful cook to encourage and embed the feeling of community and extended collaboration.