Keep up-to-date with what's been going on at Highgate Hill House School!
Headteacher update
Hello all,
As you are already aware, we have had another 'Covid-19 blip' recently, with several members of staff unfortunately testing positive and feeling unwell.
I am pleased to say that we reacted quickly to try to prevent further spread, with staff staying away from school until they tested negative and felt well enough to return. As I'm sure you will no doubt understand, this has resulted in some disruption to certain classes.
Please be reassured that as we follow the government's 'Living with Covid' guidelines, we will continue to be vigilant and do our utmost to minimise the spread of infection.
On a slightly more positive note, I am very pleased to see our new staff and pupils settling in well, forming strong relationships with both pupils and fellow colleagues. Be sure to follow our social media pages (links at the bottom) to see what everyone's been up to.
Lastly, we are in the process of getting our new sports field marked up, ready for the end of term Sports Day event which no doubt you will be pleased to welcome back. The plan is that Sports Day will be split across two days as follows:
Monday 18th July - Crooklets, Widemouth & Sandymouth classes
Tuesday 19th July - Black Rock, Northcott & Wanson classes
We will confirm timings closer to the event, but to help you make the necessary arrangements we are working towards an 11:30am start and 2pm depart.
As always, please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything.
Warm wishes,
Gina Wagland
Headteacher
Trauma informed approach in schools
Have you read our latest blog article yet? We've discussed how trauma can affect children in school, and what a trauma informed approach might look like.
Please click the button below to find out more.
Post-16 options
From Year 9 onwards, your EHCP annual review will include a focus on 'preparing for adulthood'. This will include setting targets towards the four 'preparing for adulthood' outcomes, which are:
- Higher education and/or employment
- Independent living
- Participating in society: friendships and contributing to the local community
- Being as healthy as possible in later life
If your child is of secondary school age, it's a great time to start thinking about what post-16 options are available locally. These can include academic courses (A-Levels and GCSEs), vocational courses (BTECs), entry level courses in English and Maths, courses which combine studying with 'on the job training' or work experience (apprenticeships, traineeships or supported internships) or life skills in preparation for adulthood.
It's important to note that all colleges should provide support to help students with SEND to complete their chosen course to the best of their abilities and some offer courses specifically designed for people with SEND.
There are a number of Taster Day and Open events aimed at pupils in years 10 and 11 throughout the academic year at post-16 colleges, that offer the opportunity to have a look around the campus, meet students and staff, and ask any questions that you may have. If you can't find a date that's convenient for you, it's always a good idea to sign up for newsletters etc on their websites as you will then be notified of upcoming events as soon as they go live.
The event days tend to be quite informal and relaxed, although you will more than likely need to book a space or confirm your attendance beforehand, plus express an area of interest (e.g. agriculture, hair & beauty etc).
We have outlined some of the options available locally, with links to their 16-18 school leaver information. Please click on the buttons below for more information:
Chair update
Hello everyone,
Hope you are all keeping well and have been able to enjoy some time outdoors in the fine weather!
It was a pleasure for me to visit the school in person recently to see some familiar faces again; talk with some of the new staff for the first time and to see for myself the good work that pupils and staff alike are all engaged in!
Unfortunately, as I am sure that you are all aware, we have had some staff off sick unwell with Covid recently and there has been an increase in cases, which suggests that we do all need to remain vigilant in following
government guidelines on living with Covid.
Hope to see you all again soon!
Kind regards,
Dr Julie Smith
Chair of the Board
Have you seen our updated prospectus?
Our updated prospectus is now available to view online (also available to download on our website), so please feel free to take a look and share the link with friends, family members and colleagues that you think may be interested.
Safeguarding contacts
The nominated Safeguarding/Child Protection Director is Julie Smith. Julie can be contacted on 07713255531, via email at chair@hhhschool.co.uk or by post at the school address: Highgate Hill House School, Whitstone, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6TJ
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Steve Badham. Steve can be contacted on 07918184502 or via email at steve.badham@hhhschool.co.uk.
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) is Gina Wagland. Gina can be contacted on 07780777698 or via email at headteacher@hhhschool.co.uk.
2021/22 and 22/23 term dates
Our 22/23 term dates have now been added, so you can view our term dates for this year and next by clicking on the button below.
