Dear Parents and Carers
Thank you for your interest in our school.
We have pleasure in introducing you to our very special school through
our school prospectus. It has been written to provide you with
information, some statutory, about the school and to give you a clear
overview of the day to day activities which the school provides.
Choosing a school for your child is very important and cannot be
undertaken by looking at a prospectus in isolation. We will be happy to
arrange for you to visit the school so that you can see the excellent
provision which would be available for your child if you were to make
Castle Hill your choice.
Education is a partnership between home and school and we place a
great deal of emphasis on our partnership with parents and carers. We
believe that children learn best when home and school work together
for their benefit. If your child comes to Castle Hill it is not where your job
ends and ours begins. It is where our job begins and yours continues!
Please enjoy reading our prospectus.
Gill Robinson
Headteacher
2009
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted - May 2008
School Information 1
Address Newsome Road South
Newsome
HD4 6JL
Telephone 01484 226659
Fax 01484 226660
Email office.castlehill@kirkleesschools.
org.uk
Pupils on roll 99 as of September 2008
Type and age Severe and Profound
Learning Difficulties
3 - 19 years
Headteacher Gill Robinson
Chair of Gvnrs Judith Waddington
School Hours 9.15 - 3.15
Local Authority Kirklees Children and
Young People Service
Oldgate House
Huddersfield
HD1 6QW
01484 225300
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Other areas in School
• Foundation PMLD/SLD
• Primary 1 PMLD KS1 & KS2
• Primary 2 SLD KS1
• Primary 3 SLD KS2
• Primary 4 SLD KS2
• A2 ASD KS3 & KS4
• Secondary 1 PMLD KS3 & KS4
• Secondary 2 SLD KS3
• Secondary 3 SLD KS3 & KS4
• Secondary 4 SLD KS4
• Lower 6th PMLD/SLD Y12/13
• Upper 6th PMLD/SLD Y13/14
There are 12 class bases:
range
See over ...
Classes
• Music Room
• Soft Play
• Shared Areas
• Rebound Therapy
• Sensory Room
• Science Room
• Food Technology
• Prayer Room
• Meeting Rooms
• Art & Design Room
• Community Training
• Hygiene Suites
• Outdoor Play Areas
• Sensory Gardens
School Terms
Under the 1986 Education Act children
are required to be in school for 190 days
each academic year. These are divided
up into three terms:
September to Christmas Autumn
Term
January to Easter Spring Term
April to July Summer Term
During each term there is a half term
holiday of one week. Staff are in
school for a further 5 days for
Professional training (INSET Days).
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Behaviour
At Castle Hill School we expect all our
pupils to behave in an acceptable and
appropriate manner. Praising and
celebrating good behaviour is essential.
We have a Positive Behaviour Policy which
is consistently applied by all adults who
work in school and is briefly outlined below.
A copy of the Positive Behaviour Policy is
available from school.
Our Aims
• to create conditions built upon mutual
respect, co-operation and equal
opportunities which enable each
individual to become a self-confident,
valued, respected member of the
community and beyond.
• to provide a consistent positive structure
which encourages good behaviour,
minimises misbehaviour and reduces
confrontation.
• to ensure that all members of the school
community, which includes all pupils,
staff, parents and governors, are clear
about what is meant by good
behaviour.
• to recognise and reward good
behaviour.
• to enable all members of the school
community to have a clear
understanding of the consequences of
unacceptable behaviour.
• it is a mistake to give attention to the
correctness and acceptability of
behaviour without also attending to its
underlying causes. Difficult behaviour is
usually the symptom of a problem and
not the problem itself. Staff aim to
develop strategies designed to
anticipate and pre-empt certain
behaviour rather than adopt a reactive.
stance to behavioural patterns.
Over and above the objectives
at Castle Hill everybody has rights:
Pupils
They have the right to work, play and
learn and be in a friendly, safe and
helpful school.
All staff
They have a right to work in a friendly,
safe and satisfying school which is
supported by the school community.
Parents and Carers
They have a right to feel welcome and
to know that their children, work, play
and learn in a friendly, safe and
helpful school.
Rebound Therapy
ICT / Library Suite
Hydrotherapy
“
“
School Information 2
The curriculum which we offer will stimulate
your child to acquire knowledge and
develop individual skills; it is balanced,
broad and flexible.
Your child’s achievements are celebrated
regularly and we hope that they will feel
proud of their learning. We try wherever
possible to allow the pupils to be as
independent as they can in order for them
to develop social skills and feel confident in
all that they do.
Your Child’s Learning At Castle Hill School however, we also
recognise that learning consists of:
• perfecting skills
• understanding ideas
• acquiring knowledge
• developing good attitudes
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
• being healthy
• staying safe
• enjoying and achieving
• making a positive contribution
• achieving economic wellbeing
“
“
In general, the pupils are taught by their
own class teacher and supported by
Educational Teaching Assistants. However,
in The Primary Department we also have
Nursery Nurses, and pupils are grouped and
taught by others. The class size is small and
our largest class this year has
9 pupils. Every classroom is
well resourced and designed
to meet the pupils’ needs.
Some rooms are also
equipped to deliver the
specialist subjects and to
provide extra resources for the
pupils. The staff in the classes
get to know your child
extremely well and we
hope that a partnership
between home and
school can be created,
developed and
maintained. The
curriculum is balanced
and broad and fits
within the
Every Child Matters
Criteria
(as opposite)
In order for this to take place our pupils
must:
• become involved with things that
interest them
• be active in their learning
• be encouraged to work with each
other
• make progress and be challenged in
each area of learning
• be encouraged to think and act for
themselves and become independent
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Religious Education is taught throughout
the school and is structured to meet a
balance of factual knowledge and spiritual
development. The Kirklees Agreed Syllabus
is used and this forms part of each child's
entitlement as required by the 1988
Education Act.
Parents/carers have the right to withdraw
their children from religious education and
from our collective act of worship should
they so wish. If you do not wish your child
to be taught the agreed syllabus or to take
part in collective worship you should submit
this to the school in writing. Your child will
be excused and suitable alternative
arrangements made.
Religious Education
Admissions
Children who have severe and profound
learning difficulties are usually referred to us
through the process of writing or revising a
Statement of Educational Needs.
It is the responsibility of the Local Authority
to write or revise a statement, although as
parents you may have instigated it
yourselves. You may wish to contact the
Pupil Support Services at Civic Centre 1 -
tel. 01484 221474.
Many people may be involved in the
process of statementing. Some of these
professionals are doctors, educational
psychologists, teachers from previous
schools, Portage, to name but a few.
Any parent considering admission is
welcome to visit the school to see its
provision, meet the staff and chat to the
pupils.
Educational Visits
Educational visits are a very important part
of the curriculum which we offer to our
pupils.
School Meals
We have a very wide choice of dishes as
you will see from the menu. There are two
sittings each day and all children are
supervised by the teaching and support
staff as well as the lunchtime staff. We have
over 40 lunchtime supervisors managed by
Margaret Bradley, who work alongside the
pupils. The school has a Feeding Team and
the staff in the team meet regularly to
discuss individual pupils feeding plans.
Luchtimes are an important part of taught
time in school, where pupils are
encouraged to become independent and
develop good attitudes.
Our school cook Jo and her team; Yvette,
Heather and Pritum are fantastic. Not only
do they provide an excellent menu, but
they have a good relationship with pupils
and get to know them very well.
If you have any queries about the school
meals, please contact Margaret Bradley
the school’s Lunchtime Manager.
Rigorous Risk Assessments (which are
monitored by the Headteacher and Local
Authority) are carried out before a visit
takes place. If there is a financial cost to
the visit parents and carers are asked to
make a contribution to the cost. However,
no child will be excluded if they do not
make a contribution.
Parents/carers are asked to make a
voluntary donation of £1 per week for
Primary/Secondary pupils and £2 per week
for 6th Form students. This is used to provide
snacks and treats for both in class and for
trips out in the community. It can be sent
into school weekly or half-termly and should
be noted as ‘Activity Money’.
Voluntary Contributions
Who are we
Administration Team
The administration team work closely with
staff throughout school, other professionals
and visitors to school, parents and pupils, to
provide a friendly, professional service
wherever possible. Four staff make up the
Administration Team. We are:
Laura Marshall : Receptionist
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Gillian Messenger : PA to Senior
Management Team
Laura is responsible for
reception duties,
answering telephone
calls, post, faxing and
photocopying. Laura
is also responsible for
transport, attendance
lists, wheelchair
repairs, and orders for
equipment.
Andrea is responsible
for pupil reviews,
organising dates,
notifying attendees,
collating and sending
out reports. She is
responsible for
taking the minutes,
typing them up and
sending out. Andrea
also co-ordinates information between
Children in Need and school reviews. Other
duties are the pupil database, minutes for
all staff meetings, and dinner/milk money.
Andrea West : Clerical Assistant
Christine Marsh: Business and
Administration Manager
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams ’
Gillian also works in the
main office and is
responsible for all
correspondence and
filing for the
Headteacher and the
Senior Management
Team. Gillian also
organises events, books
rooms for meetings and
conferences. Her duties also include typing,
paperwork for staff recruitment, pupil
admissions, Educational Maintenance
Allowance, staff files, school census,
minibuses and paperwork for the Governors.
Christine is a member
of The Schools
Leadership Team.
She is responsible for all
aspects of budgeting
and financial systems
and also manages the
administration team.
Christine also develops
the management
information system. She works with facilities
management in all matters relating to
upkeep and maintenance of school
premises. Christine is also involved in
fundraising for the school to fund
additional equipment.
and activities.
The Governing Body at Castle Hill school is
made up of all different ‘types’ of
governors:
• Parent Governors - elected by and
from among parents of registered
pupils at the school
• Local Authority (LA) Governors -
appointed by the LA.
• Community Governors - appointed by
members of the Governing Body who
are not themselves co-opted. They are
intended to be representatives of the
local community and may add
particular kinds of expertise.
• Staff Governors - people who work in
school, and are elected by their
colleagues. There are two different
types: teaching and non teaching staff
governors.
At Castle Hill School there are 16 governors
and although the headteacher attends
every meeting she is not a governor.
Who are we
The governors at Castle Hill School meet at
least twice every term to discuss the running
of the school. This would include looking at:
• The school’s budget
• Various policies eg. behaviour, sex and
relationship education, performance
management
• The overall ethos and direction of the
school
• Long -term planning
• Target setting for pupils
• Staffing structures
There are also many more areas which are
covered. Governors play a strategic role,
meaning that they concentrate on the
underlying issues of school management,
rather than day -to- day issues. They are
however, involved in reviewing exclusions
and dealing with any cases of staff
appeals.
Governing bodies are there to monitor and
evaluate progress in school improvement
and achievement and they play an
important role in accountability. Not only is
the headteacher accountable to the
governing body, but the governing body in
turn is accountable to parents/carers, the
LA and ultimately the Department for
Children, Schools and Families.
The Chair of Governors at Castle Hill is
Judith Waddington and the Vice Chair is
Antony Knight.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
The Governors
How to contact us
If you wish to be a governor in the future
please contact the school and we will
contact you when a vacancy occurs.
What do we do
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Autumn Term 2008
Holiday Dates 2008 - 2009
Monday 1 September School Closed to Pupils Staff Training Day
Tuesday 2 September School Reopens
Friday 24 October School Closed to Pupils Staff Training Day
Monday 3 November School Reopens
Friday 21 December School Closes Christmas Holiday
Thursday 23 October School Closes at 3.15pm Half Term Holiday
Spring Term 2009
Summer Term 2009
Monday 5 January School Reopens
Friday 13 February School Closes at 3.15pm Half Term Holiday
Monday 23 February School Closed to Pupils Staff Training Day
Friday 3 April School Closes Easter Holiday
Tuesday 24 February School Reopens
Monday 20 April School Reopens
Monday 4 May School Closed May Day
Thursday 21 May School Closes at 3.15pm Half Term Holiday
Friday 22 May School Closed to Pupils Staff Training Day
Monday 1 June School Reopens
Friday 17 July School Closes at 3.15pm Summer Holiday
Monday 20 July School Closed Disaggregated Day
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
How to get here
From Huddersfield Town Centre
From the ring road take the A616 sign
posted Sheffield / Holmfirth. After
approximately 3/4 mile you will come to a
set of traffic lights. Take a left turn at the
lights, signposted New Mill / Honley. After
about 100 yards take another left turn up
Lockwood Scar. Follow the road up a steep
hill for about half a mile and you will come
to another set of traffic lights. Take a right
turn at the lights down Newsome Road
South. We are approximately a third of a
mile down the hill on the right hand side of
the road.
By Car
The nearest train station is Berry Brow, 2
stops from Huddersfield on the Huddersfield
to Sheffield line. Take a right turn when you
come out of the station, on to Birch Road.
At the end of the road take a left turn into
Newsome Road South. The school is
approximately 5 minutes walk up the hill, on
the left hand side. Trains are hourly from
Huddersfield.
By Train
From Huddersfield town centre, bus
numbers 306 and 319 stop outside the
school on Newsome Road South. Buses run
at least every 20 minutes.
By Bus
For those of you hardy enough to visit us by
bicycle (we are situated on a hill) there is a
secure parking area for bikes.
By Bike
Parking
Parking is limited. However there are a small
number of designated spaces available for
Parents and Carers.
From Holmfirth
Take the A 6024 from Holmfirth. Enter
Honley. At the traffic signals take the A616
onto Huddersfield Road. After about 1. 5
miles you will see a set of high rise flats on
your left. Shortly after this take a right turn
into Waingate (signposted Newsome). The
school is approximately half a mile up the
hill on the left hand side of the road.
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Menu
Monday
Baked sausage with gravy
Salmon fillet with parsley sauce
Broccoli and swede
New potatoes, creamed potatoes
Victoria sponge with
raspberry sauce
Ice cream
Tuesday
Vegetable loaded pizza (V)
Chicken casserole with dumplings
Mixed vegetables, processed peas
Creamed potatoes, jacket potatoes,
Fruit muffin and custard
Angel delight
Wednesday
Fish cakes with parsley sauce
Savoury mince and Yorkshire pudding
Baked beans, cabbage
Saute potatoes, creamed potatoes
Chocolate fudge pudding
with chocolate sauce
Fruit in jelly
Thursday
Roast turkey with stuffing
Quiche (V)
Carrots, sliced green beans
Oven roast potatoes, creamed potatoes
Jam shortcake and custard
Lemon iced bun
Friday
Oven baked fish with parsley sauce
Meat and potato pie
Mushy peas, cauliflower
Oven chips, creamed potatoes
Rice pudding with fruit
Muffins
Monday
Chicken and ham pie and gravy
Beanburger / quorn sausages (V)
Processed peas, carrots
Jacket potatoes, creamed potatoes
Strawberry victoria with
chocolate sauce
Ice cream
Tuesday
Fish pie
Lasagne
Mixed vegetables, broccoli
Oven baked saute potatoes, creamed potatoes
Bakewell tart with custard
Chocolate brownie
Wednesday
Home made lamb burger
Cheese and onion roll (V)
Baked beans, cabbage
Roast potatoes, creamed potatoes
Syrup sponge and custard
Manchester tart
Thursday
Chicken curry
Quorn shepherds pie (V)
Green beans, swede
Rice, creamed potatoes
Lemon shortcake with
custard
Neapolitan jelly
Friday
Oven baked fish and parsley sauce
Sausage savoury pie
Cauliflower, mushy peas
Oven chips, creamed potatoes
Apple crumble and custard
Ginger cake with fudge
topping
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Week 1
Week 2
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Early Years
Our Aims
see over ….
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted - May 2008
• To ensure that each child's needs are
met, as outlined in the statement of
special educational needs, through a
carefully planned nursery timetable
encompassing the individual needs of
the child.
• To ensure that each child is assessed
using the Foundation Profile.
• To ensure a high staff child ratio so that
the child is able to access a range of
nursery opportunities.
• To ensure that children are taught
appropriately using a range of teaching
methods. These include:-
total communication: eye contact, eye
pointing, gesture, signing, symbol
systems, verbal communication,
structured teaching programmes,
positive behaviour management
programmes.
• To work within the National Framework of
the Curriculum Guidance for the
foundation stage while adapting it to the
needs of children with complex needs.
• To work with parents/carers and other
professionals to develop the child’s
Individual Education Plan (IEP), and
individual learning objectives.
• To ensure that bi-annual reviews are held
when the child’s parents / carers
and professionals can meet
together to review the
child’s progress
and to ensure that
the setting remains
the most
appropriate one
to meet the child’s
needs.
• To liaise daily with
parents/carers
through the daily
diary to ensure that
communication
between home/
school is most
effective.
Most importantly :
To ensure that the child is happy,
settled and safe within the setting
and fulfils his / her potential. “ “
• To ensure that the child’s medical needs
are met by working alongside the school
nurse and assisting in the implementation
of routine medical support.
• To liaise with the physiotherapist,
occupational therapist, speech
therapist, teachers of the visually
hearing/visually impaired, and to
integrate specialist
approaches to ensure the
individual needs of the
child are met.
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Foundation
We have a team of early years practitioners
including our foundation teacher, nursery
nurses and support assistants. Together we
help to settle young children into the
foundation class and support families and
carers during the transition to school life.
When they are 5 years old our pupils move
into Key Stage 1 phase of their education.
They are supported by our Key Stage 1
teachers, nursery nurses and assistants.
Working with other professionals
We are also supported by the following
staff;
• School Nurse
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Teachers of the Hearing Impaired and
the Visually Impaired
• Bi-lingual Support Assistant
We work together to help each child to
reach their potential.
Outreach Work
We have a very successful established link
with Berry Brow Infant School. Children from
our Foundation class take part in play
activities in the Nursery at Berry Brow. The
children from Berry Brow also join us for play
in our own setting.
Our Curriculum
In Foundation (nursery and reception )our
pupils work from the Early Years Foundation
Stage Curriculum. This curriculum is used in
all Nurseries and Early Years settings. Our
curriculum encompasses the principles of
the ‘Every Child Matters’ philosophy.
Our Curriculum includes six areas of learning:
• Communication, language and literacy
• Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
• Knowledge and understanding of the
world
• Physical development
• Creative development
• Personal, social and emotional
Development
Primary
Our Aims
To develop an environment where
confidence is nurtured, individuals are
made to feel special and achievement is
celebrated.
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Children are taught in small groups of 6 - 9
pupils, specific to their needs . There are 4
classes in the Primary Department. Classes
are taught by a teacher, ETAs, and the
younger classes benefit from the expertise
of Nursery Nurses.
Some children have 1:1 support according
to individual need. A member of the Senior
Leadership Team coordinates the primary
department.
The Primary Curriculum
Pupils work from the EQUALS curriculum
which embraces every National Curriculum
subject. Staff are in the process of adapting
and applying the New National Primary
Framework for literacy and numeracy.
Classes are grouped according to age but
are also taught according to ability in some
subjects.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
See over ...
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
All Primary classrooms have direct access
to safe outdoor areas where pupils are
encouraged to develop friendships through
play and also explore the environment.
Outreach Work
Reciprocal links with other schools give
opportunities for pupils to learn alongside
their peers individually or as part of a
group. Our current outreach includes links
with the following:
• Newsome Junior School
• South Crosland Junior School
Work with other Professionals
A wide range of professionals work
with the children in the Primary
Department.
The Autistic Provision
• To work towards inclusion into the main
classes of the school.
• To provide a high level of staffing.
• To provide an environment with low
levels of stimulation & high structure.
• To focus on communication skills.
• To help pupils cope with social situations.
Our Aims
The Curriculum
The pupils in the autistic provision follow an
alternative curriculum. The alternative
curriculum focuses on communication skills,
life skills and a variety of physical activities,
whilst still containing the traditional subjects
taught throughout school.
Outreach Work
All staff in the provision are
willing and able to share their
knowledge with parents and
colleagues.
Other Professionals
Staff work closely with other
professionals particularly the
clinical psychologist, staff from
Children With a Disability Team
and parents.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Staff work as a team to provide an
individual educational programme and
behaviour support programme for each
pupil in consultation with parents and other
professionals. Our team consists of a
teacher, a nursery nurse and ETAs. Pupils
work on a one to one basis with either a
nursery nurse or ETA.
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Secondary
Our broad and balanced, age appropriate
curriculum, encourages all students to
mature into independent young people.
We consolidate and enhance
communication skills, in preparation for the
future and ensure appropriate
differentiation allowing students to access
all areas of school life.
Our Aims
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Team work, based on open and honest
communication, is an essential feature of the
secondary department. It allows a shared
understanding of expectation in terms of
behavior and achievement, ensuring that all
students fulfill their potential.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Our Curriculum
Secondary students follow a curriculum
based on the following curriculum areas:-
We are committed to the home-school
partnership, and effective communication
promotes continuity and consistency,
ensuring that students maximize their
potential.
• Communication, language
and literacy
• Personal, social and emotional
development
• Physical development
• Creative development
• ICT
• Problem solving, reasoning and
numeracy
• Knowledge and understanding
of the world
• Community and citizenship
• Work related learning
• Leisure and recreation
The Curriculum areas allow students to follow
both a subject and topic based curriculum
with programmes of study adapted from the
National Curriculum, Literacy and Numeracy
strategies, Equals documentation and QCA
schemes of work.
Our students enjoy Numeracy, Literacy and
ICT and PE in the mornings and topic based
activities in the afternoon. Topics are as
varied as ‘Myself and People Everywhere’
and ‘Community and a Sense of Place to The
Great Outdoors’ and ‘Let me Entertain You’.
Our topic based approach gives teachers
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
A Multi -Disciplinary Approach
Students in the secondary department
benefit from the intervention of several
external support agencies, operating within
the school.
These include :
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Support Service for the Visually and
Hearing Impaired
• Bilingual Support and Social Services.
In addition :
• Calderdale and Kirklees Careers
Service and Social Services
collaborate with the department, to
support a smooth transition between
Key Stages 3 and 4 and into the 6th
form.
Outreach Work
As a department we strive to develop
effective community links, sharing valuable
resources and strengthening networks and
relationships.
Experiences within the community are
frequently linked to Work Related Learning
activities, with students visiting familiar
employment settings such as the sports
centre, supermarket and garden centre.
Links with our pyramid and other schools
are nurtured. Small groups of students
make regular visits to Newsome High and
Lydgate Schools, to take part in a variety of
lessons, Design Technology and Art, and to
interact with their mainstream peers.
Secondary students regularly take part in
inter-school sports events. A termly Sports
Festival is organized by Newsome High
School and sports activities, based on world
sporting events, such as the Football World
Cup and the Rugby Six Nations, have also
been celebrated.
The flexibility to plan an exciting and varied
afternoon curriculum.
Our department is registered with a variety of
accreditation schemes including AQA, ALL
and ASDAN. All schemes provide a range of
personal, social and practical skill areas. ‘Bite
size’ modules allow students to build a
personalized profile of achievement tailored
to individual needs and skills. All schemes
allow flexibility, allowing the accumulation of
an unrestricted number of stand alone
accredited modules.
Sixth Form
Our Aims
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Staff work as a team to provide the
flexibility for students to work in different
groups and with different people. This
ensures that the staff’s strengths are utilised
and students’ personal and social skills are
developed, while still providing a secure
environment.
6th Form follows the Equals ‘Moving On’
curriculum which provides a flexible
package of specifications for students
between the ages of 16 and 19 who
experience
difficulties in
learning. It
has the
Following
features:
The Curriculum
• That students will continue to develop
the skills they have learned in other
areas of the school, using age
appropriate materials and activities.
• To develop a level of independence,
autonomy and maturity that will ease
each student’s transition into future
provisions.
Each annual programme of study
includes:-
LIFE SKILLS
• Personal, Social and Health
Programme
• Citizenship
• Leisure and Recreation
• Daily Living Skills
WORLD STUDIES
• Technology
• Foreign Culture
• Creativity – music, art, drama and
dance
• World Religions
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
• Work Related Learning and
Enterprise Education
• Careers Education and Guidance
and Post School Planning
• It is appropriate for students with a range
of complex learning challenges.
• It contains three one -year programmes
of learning which can be taught in any
order.
• The programmes have specific subjects
of study with clear learning outcomes for
students with a wide range of ability.
• Key skills are embedded into all the
subject areas.
• There is nationally recognised
accreditation for attainment in both
subject areas and key skills.
See over ...
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Outreach Work
The 6th Form co-ordinator meets regularly
with staff from day centres and adult
education, and has contacts in specialist
colleges.
Our links with Kirklees College enable
students to make informed choices about
where they want to go when they leave
school.
Linking with classes at Kirklees College
In their final year at school some students
will have a work placement in the
community.
Work with other Professionals
As well as working with professionals in the
Speech and Language Team,
Physiotherapists and Occupational
Therapists, Sensory Impaired Service, and
Social Services, the Calderdale and Kirklees
Careers Service work with us to provide a
smooth transition for our students when they
leave school.
After Castle Hill
Students can stay at Castle Hill until the end
of the academic year in which they are 19.
The last years at school can be an anxious
time for students, parents and carers. We
try to provide a high level of support as we
plan for the future together.
Through the good network of contacts that
we have with adult service providers we
aim for a smooth transition to an
appropriate place at one of the following:
• Specialist residential colleges
• Local colleges offering suitable courses
(eg. Huddersfield Technical College,
Kirklees College)
• Social Services day centres.
• Day centres run by independent trusts
and service providers( eg. Bridgewood
Trust, Oxfield Court, Valeo.)
Lindley Special Care Unit.
ENRICHMENT
• Brain Gym
• Higashi
• News / Current Affairs
• Workshops from a variety of outside
agencies
Key skills including literacy and ICT
are embedded in all subject areas.
The Children’s Physiotherapy Service is part
of a therapy team based at Princess Royal
Community Health Centre. We are
employed by the NHS, but work at school
on a part-time basis with children who have
been referred into our service.
At present the team consists of :-
Cath Kessie - Children’s Physiotherapist
Julie Ainley - Technical Instructor
Jan Smith - Technical Instructor
Who are we
What do we do
We work with children with physical
difficulties and their families. Following
assessment we provide school staff with
information and advice on how to manage
the postural needs of the individual. This
may include positioning children into
equipment e.g. standing frames, or
ideas of how to handle the children
in order to progress their physical
development.
We work closely with school staff and
other agencies to provide
multi-disciplinary assessments. In this
way the holistic needs of the child
are addressed in order to access
the curriculum.
We organise clinics in school to make it
easier for parents to attend and to reduce
time out of school for your child. This includes
an appliance clinic that involves the
Orthotist reviewing and casting for new
splints and footwear.
The Occupational Therapists also visit school
to review seating posture in wheelchairs they
have provided. Parents are invited and
encouraged to attend these appointments.
Support and advice is given, as appropriate,
by attending
relevant meetings,
reviews and
medical
appointments. We
liaise closely with
other professionals
from health,
education and
social services.
How to contact us
Children’s Therapy Services
Princess Royal Community
Health Centre
Greenhead Road
Huddersfield
HD1 4EW
Tel: 01484 344303
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Physiotherapy ‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
The Children’s Speech and Language
Therapy service is part of a therapy team
based at Princess Royal Community Health.
Who are we
What do we do
We work with children with speech,
language and communication difficulties
and their families.
Following assessment, there is a joint
planning with staff, parents and carers. We
work together to offer guidance on useful
strategies to promote an optimum
communication environment to enable
children to develop their communication
skills to their full potential. This may be
through verbal language or the use of
augmentative communication eg. sign,
symbols, communication aids. This can
include specific activities to carry out on a
regular basis or it
may involve
changes to the
child’s
environment
to encourage
communication.
We also work with children who have
difficulties with feeding and drinking which
are related to oral motor skills. The aim is to
promote safe and effective feeding skills
within a supportive environment.
We work closely with school staff and other
agencies to provide multidisciplinary
assessments. In this way the holistic needs of
the child are met.
We provide training for school staff,
parents/carers where appropriate and
liaise with other professionals from
education, health and social services.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Speech and Language Therapy
How to contact us
Children’s Therapy Services
Princess Royal Community Health Centre
Greenhead Road, Huddersfield, HD1 4EW
Telephone : 0779 554 0201 or
School : 01484 226659
‘Castle Hill is an
outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
The Children’s Occupational Therapy
Service is part of a therapy team based at
Princess Royal Community Health Centre.
We are employed by the NHS, but work at
school on a part time basis with children
who have been referred into our service.
At present the team consists of :-
Fiona Langton - Children’s Occupational
Therapist
Anne Jennings - Technical Instructor
Who are we
What do we do
We work with children with physical
difficulties and their families. Assessments
are provided to establish the level of
difficulty and the impact this has on the
child’s independence. Following this we
would advise school staff on how to
optimise the child’s functional ability. This
may include recommendation of
equipment e.g. class seating and/or
adaptations to the environment to
enable access to the
curriculum and progress
their physical
development and
independence. We
work closely with
representatives
from specialised
equipment
companies who
visit school to
assess for specific
equipment needs
as they arise. We
can also provide
hand splints if
required to
Improve hand
position and
function.
We work closely with school staff and other
agencies to provide multidisciplinary
assessments. In this way the holistic needs of
the child are addressed in order to access
the curriculum. Often this involves
assessment for switches that can be used
as a basis leading to access to
communication, ICT, including
environmental controls, and powered
mobility.
Wheelchair clinics are organised in school
to review seating posture in wheelchairs
which Wheelchair Services have provided.
Any repairs to wheelchairs should be
reported to Clarks repairs on:-
tel no: 01484 511441.
Support and advice is given as appropriate
by attending relevant meetings, reviews
and medical appointments. We liaise
closely with other professionals from health,
education and social services.
How to contact us
Children’s Therapy Services
Princess Royal Community Health Centre
Greenhead Road
Huddersfield
HD1 4EW
Tel: 01484 344303
‘ achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Occupational Therapy ‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Nursing Service
The school nursing team is based in school
throughout the day, we are a team of
three: two Registered Sick Children’s Nurses
and one Health Care Assisstant.We are
employed by the NHS, and are part of the
Childrens Community Nursing Team based
at the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
The team consists of :- Marie, Chloe and
Rachael.
Who are we
What do we do
How to contact us
We operate an “open door” service so any
parent/carer or other professional, can
contact the team at any time during
school hours.
You can contact us any time through
school on :- Telephone: 01484 226659
‘ achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
The needs of those we care for are top of
our agenda . Communication is important
and therefore we work closely with
students, families and carers in any decision
making process.
Marie Smith
School Nurse
Chloe Mooney
School Nurse
Rachael Hutton
Health Care Assistant
We can arrange appointments with them,
should you require any of their services.
We cater for all the students medical needs
while in school, Including:-
Enteral feeding
Asthma
Epilepsy
Tracheotomies
to name but a few
We will administer any prescribed
medication during the school day in
accordance with the Trust policies. Written
consent will need to be given, forms being
provided as required.
Above all the Special School Nurses are
committed to helping and supporting the
students while in school. We are well
placed to provide you with a link between
home, school, general practioners and the
many other co-professionals.
We offer support, advice and training to
school staff and other professionals.
Our aim is to provide a service to
students,to enable them to maximise their
full potential by accessing a full national
curriculum.
We work closely with other agencies
including, Physiotherapy, Occupational
Health, Speech and Language Therapy,
Visually Impaired Service, Dieticians,
Consultants and Continence Services.
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Outreach Service
Our Aims
Since opening in September 2006 much
work has been done to promote an
inclusive practice within the school and in
its wider community. Our purpose is to
encourage enjoyment whilst providing
education which leads towards
independence. Going out into the wider
community and meeting new people plays
a big part in raising student’s self-esteem
and confidence.
We have made many new friends in our
partner pyramid schools, and have now
established educational and social
communication links both into Castle Hill
and out to the following pyramid schools:-
• Berry Brow Nursery and Infants School
• Newsome Junior School
• South Crosland Junior School
• Newsome High school
• Greenhead College
• Lydgate School
We have been made very welcome in the
pyramid and continue to build relationships
with both new and old friends in our wider
community.
Children from Castle Hill and Newsome
Junior School enjoy sharing books and
reading in our weekly gifted and talented
sessions. The children share schools as well,
alternating between the two school
libraries.
Our Links
Castle Hill School was invited to run a Sign
and Sing workshop at Kayes First School in
Clayton West School. Three students from
Castle Hill attended for the day and Kayes
reciprocated by performing dance during
our Activity Week.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Who are we
Castle Hill School holds a weekly parents’
group during term time. A warm welcome is
extended to everyone who is involved in
caring for children and young people ie
parents, grandparents, respite carers,
aunts, uncles etc. Siblings are very
welcome but may prefer to visit and
explore the foundation class whilst parents
have a coffee and chat.
A bilingual support assistant attends every
meeting to offer help if your first language is
not English.
Parents’ Group
What do we do Buffet lunches or meals out are great social
opportunities to end the term on a high!
Parents’ group is always available to
support the school, making resources for
students to use in class, providing
refreshments, running stalls at various school
events and helping to raise money for
school funds are just some of the ways in
which the school benefits from having such
a strong support group.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Parents preparing the buffet for the Grand
Opening Celebration - September 2007
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
We cover a wide variety of activities. Guest
speakers are invited to attend meetings
throughout the term. For the school year
commencing 2008 / 2009 we have invited
therapists and advisors who work within
school ie. speech and language therapist,
physiotherapist, advisory teacher for the
visual impaired and the manual - handling
advisor to school . They will give us a
general insight into their jobs and how
their skills are applied and adapted
to benefit the pupils and, in some
cases, their families.
Makaton sessions, where parents can
learn basic signs or ask for signs
that are relevant to their
family, are run on a
regular basis. All are
welcome to join in these
Important but very
lighthearted
sessions.
We meet every Tuesday between 10am
and 11.30am. If you are interested do pop
in even if it’s for a quick chat. There is no
pressure to come every week or indeed
stay for the whole session.
When do we meet
Parents preparing for
the Christmas Fayre
December 2008
Family Support
Who are we
Our aim is to provide all families and
children within the community of Castle Hill
School with a single point of contact
between family, agencies and the multi
professional teams that have contact with
you and your child. Sally Metcalfe is the
Family Liaison and Outreach Support
Officer for the families of the students at
Castle Hill School.
What do we do
We are able to offer support for you in the
specific ways listed below:
• Emotional and practical support
• Liaison with all other agencies for
example: School Nurse, Sensory Services,
Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist,
Speech and Language Service,
Wheelchair Services.
• Attending outpatients appointments in a
supportive role when invited to do so by
you.
• Attending reviews.
How to Contact us
If you want to see us about a particular
issue or you just need someone to listen,
Sally is available on 01484 226659 from
9.00 - 4.00 pm. You can also email Sally on:
smetcalfe.castlehill.kgfl@webmail.
digitalbrain.com
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Sally Metcalfe
Family Liaison and Outreach Support Officer
• Attending visits to your home by any
member of the school or multi -
disciplinary team when invited to do so.
• Establishing two - way inclusive links into
mainstream schools and Castle Hill for
the benefit of all schools, pupils, families
and communities.
• Raise the profile of disability issues for
children and families with disabilities.
• Sally is also the coordinator for student
and volunteer workers; if you would like
to spend time volunteering in Castle Hill
please contact her. We always need
people to help especially with areas such
as swimming, hydrotherapy and trips out.
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008
Castle Hill School places great value on the
many students and volunteers who come
into school.
At the present time we are working closely
with Huddersfield University, The Technical
College and Greenhead College, to
provide many placements for their
students.
We are also registered with Volunteering
Kirklees and Links 4 Work. This is a Sure Start
programme trying to find places for people
wanting to get back to work.
Who are we
What do we do
Students from the University and Colleges
not only spend time in classes but can use
their knowledge to work in specific areas of
our curriculum, for example:
• sports coaches and swimming
instructors who can help with swimming
and hydrotherapy sessions.
• musicians and art students who will help
with lunchtime activity clubs and art
projects.
The building of a positive two way
relationship with the University and various
Colleges not only offers extra
help in classes but helps
external students to
develop their own
specialisms.
‘achieving goals, fulfilling dreams’
Students and Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer or speak
to someone about the service please
contact Sally Metcalfe on:
01484 226659 from 9.00 - 4.00 pm.
You can also email Sally on:
smetcalfe.castlehill.kgfl@
webmail.digitalbrain.com
How to Contact us
A volunteer working with Emily from Primary 1
It is our aim to raise the
profile of disability in the
wider community
“ “
Castle Hill School is working hard to increase
the number of individuals in school who can
provide help in all aspects of school life.
A Huddersfield University
student working with
Reuben from A1
‘Castle Hill is an outstanding school’
Ofsted- May 2008