ABOUT US

At Hillside School we have built an eclectic approach to pupils learning, taking into account current theories and methods of teaching. All of our pupils display significant difficulties within the ‘Triad of Impairment’ that is at the heart of the autism. A child’s difficulties in language and communication, social relationships, and rigid patterns of behaviour/thought/interests form major barriers to learning. Our role is to help our pupils to come to terms with, and overcome, these difficulties.

• Remove/reduce a child’s barriers to learning,
• Assist children to develop effective systems of communication and social interaction,
• Develop a child’s ability to adapt to, and accommodate change,
• Encourage children to positively manage their own behaviour and difficulties,
• Provide a broad and balanced curriculum that meets each child’s needs, including access to the National Curriculum,
• Provide an environment that fosters care and control of pupils to enhance learning opportunities,
• Provide inclusive and transfer opportunities as part of the continuum of education provision,
• Work in partnership with parents/carers and other professionals.

The school is situated in its own extensive grounds about a mile from the centre of Longridge, near Preston. Within the grounds there are a number of play/educational activity areas including:

• Woodland Areas/Nature Study Areas
• Walled Grassed Area//Adventure Play Area
• Sensory Garden
• Extensive External Play areas

Hillside School offers a broad and balanced curriculum that includes full access to the requirements of the National Curriculum for all pupils. This is particularly important as some of our pupils may be on dual placement or may be re-integrated back to mainstream schools. However, most pupils require a flexible curriculum that takes into account their specific autism needs and therefore, their Statement of Educational Needs may include modifications to the National Curriculum.

The school follows the three basic principles as outlined in the National Curriculum 2000 Orders to ensure that there is effective learning opportunities for the inclusion of all pupils. These are:

• Setting suitable learning challenges
• Responding to pupils' diverse learning needs
• To help overcome potential barriers to learning and assessment for individuals and groups of pupils.