Our Health and Wellbeing Program

During their 12-day stay at Stewart House, children receive comprehensive medical, dental, and optometric assessment and treatment. Counselling is available for those needing additional support.

This is balanced with health and education programs and out of school activities to boost their self-esteem and promote better physical and mental health. These services are provided free of charge to over 1,600 public school children a year who attend this unique facility

Quick links: Stewart House Program | Stewart House Wellbeing Framework

Our Health and Wellbeing Program

The health and wellbeing team at Stewart House includes our Residential Wellbeing Manager, Health Liaison Officer, and Student Placements Officer. Together, they support children’s wellbeing during their stay and provide advice and assistance to residential supervisors and teachers. 

We also access the Virtual Care (telehealth) model, funded through the Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health. This audio and video service connects children with local or virtual health professionals to ensure they receive the most appropriate care and advice. If any concerns are identified, parents and carers are contacted. A report is sent home outlining treatments provided and recommendations for follow-up care. 

Children may also be referred to Go4Fun, a free healthy lifestyle program for 8–14-year-olds that focuses on healthy eating and being active.

Dental Care

During their twelve-day stay, children are offered a free dental assessment and a dental health education session. This program is funded by the Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health. Children needing emergency care or pain relief are treated at Brookvale Dental Clinic, while all screened children are referred to Local Health District Dental Clinics near their homes for follow-up care.

Vision Care

The School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW provides vision assessments for all children at Stewart House. Screenings are carried out by final-year optometry students, supervised by UNSW staff optometrists, ensuring a thorough visual health examination. 

If a problem is identified, parents and carers receive a letter outlining recommended next steps. Children may require glasses, eye exercises, colour vision support, or other treatment. Where prescription glasses are needed, Teachers Health generously supplies new glasses or lenses free of charge.

Hearing Checks

Hearing is assessed by Masters students of Clinical Audiology from Macquarie University. Where further care is needed, referrals are made to Hearing Australia for follow-up.

 

With thanks to our partners:

 

Stewart House Program

RATIONALE

The Stewart House Program combines school and residential experiences, guided by the Wellbeing Framework. Our curriculum uses trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches and research-backed teaching practices. Teachers and supervisors work together to help students learn, grow, and thrive.

The diagram below shows how the program links to the Wellbeing Framework.

Health Screening & Self-Care

  • Preventative health care

  • Self-care skills for long-term wellbeing

Healthy, Safe & Active Experiences

  • Physical safety and security

  • Nutrition and physical activity

Social & Emotional Learning

  • Social: positive relationships, connectedness, empathy

  • Emotional: self-awareness, emotional regulation, resilience

Experiential Learning

  • Off-site activities to practice skills

  • Safe, informal environments with feedback

STUDENT OUTCOMES

By the end of the 12-day program, students should be able to:

  1. Participate in healthy, safe, and active experiences
  2. Label and regulate their emotions using basic strategies
  3. Understand themselves and their interactions with their environment
  4. Build appropriate social connections

Stewart House Wellbeing Framework

Focus: Physical and Social & Emotional Wellbeing. Health checks, skill-building, and practical learning activities help children take what they’ve learned back to school.

Physical Wellbeing

  • Health Checks: teeth, sight, hearing, skin, hair, BMI
  • Self-Care: hygiene, oral health, sun safety, dressing
  • Activity & Safety: exercise, play, personal safety

Social & Emotional Wellbeing

  • Connecting: social skills, relationships, help-seeking
  • Self-Awareness: strengths, feelings, actions, impact on others
  • Emotional Regulation: resilience, self-control, managing emotions