We will be offering a range of qualifications from Entry Level through to Level 2 qualifications. These will be determined by each Key Stage 4 cohort and discussed with Parent Carers in Year 9. It is important to recognise that a significant number of Hill View learners will struggle with the format of traditional GCSE's. We therefore ensure that qualifications are accessible and enable learners to clearly demonstrate what they know. These qualifications are relevant and purposeful, ensuring a route to employment or FE.

We strive to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment for all our learners. While we maintain certain aspects of a traditional school structure to ensure effective learning and organisation, we also incorporate innovative and creative elements to make the school experience enjoyable and inspiring for our learners.

We understand that each learner is on their own unique journey. Our trauma-responsive and relational approach ensures our dedicated staff meet learners exactly where they are, supporting them every step of the way. We foster a flexible learning environment that adapts to individual needs, promoting growth and success for all.

There is a good amount of information on our website, and it increases day by day. However, families will receive the following information in an induction pack:

• Photos of key staff and their roles at Hill View School
• Photos of classrooms and important spaces around Hill View (possibly a video)
• Timetable
• First fleece or hoodie
• Letters of consent for trips and medication etc..
• Social Stories where appropriate
• Kit list with items that are allowed and not allowed
• Transport plan (arrival and departure)
• Start date
• Mobile Phone policy

This is a universal offer, but some learners may receive additional information upon request to aid their transition.

At the moment we are finalising lists and have a couple of significant milestones to get past in readiness for our opening. This is taking a large amount of our time alongside Parent Carer tours. Once these have been completed, we will be putting all our energy into preparing for learners to join us. At that stage, a number of communications will be sent to families. (updated May 2024)

We are hoping that this will be the case. It is difficult to have staff on site when they are under contract with other schools. However, we are looking at creative ways to organise some meetings through summer term 2 and into the summer holidays. Some of this will, of course, be determined by our staff's availability with their own family commitments during the summer break.

A full induction pack is being prepared with all of those details.

The first week in September will not involve learners as we are training all staff during that week. This ensures all staff are on on the same page and practice aligns with our expectations. Learners will then start to join us from the 9^th September. All of this will be explained in the induction pack.

Unfortunately, that is something we can't control. This information comes directly from LA Transport.

We have finalised the uniform and this should be available late June 2024.

Yes, that is normal practice in a Special School.

You will know when PE is timetabled and if it is easier, kit can be kept at school.

We will be working with all local colleges as well as other providers that offer supported employment and apprenticeships.

It is important for those families that do not have experience of how a Special School functions that we understand this happens and that this is something we are well prepared to support. Our staff and our offer will accommodate every child’s needs and support any anxiety they have. We recognise that all Hill View School learners have been given a place at Hill View because they need something different. Please look at our website for more information.

Yes, we have a Trust menu that is advertised and a system to buy lunches.

A number of learners will need adaptations at lunchtime and as a Special School we are well versed in providing these adaptations. This might involve staggered lunch breaks or a completely alternative environment

Yes, we will be offering further opportunities to visit Hill View School as we move closer to September. At the moment we are just recovering from a flood which has caused some areas to be quite noisy at the moment. This might not make a visit for some learners very productive. This will be resolved by the start of July. (Update May 2024)