All pupils are expected to wear the correct school uniform at all times.

Our school uniform:

– Black or grey trousers, shorts or skirt

– White shirt or polo shirt

– Black shoes

– Waterproof coat

– Grey round neck sweatshirt or cardigan (Engagement, Junior Core, Junior Extended)

– Grey V-neck woolen jumper or cardigan (Senior Core, Senior Extended)

– Blue and white striped clip on tie (Senior Core, Senior Extended) (optional)

– Blue and white gingham dress (optional)

 

Our school PE uniform:

– Black or grey shorts or jogging pants

– Heather Grey PE hoodie/sweatshirt

– Heather Grey t-shirt

– Trainers

– Swimming costume and towel

 

Branded Cleaswell Hill School sweatshirts, hoodies, jumpers, cardigans, ties, fleeces, bags and PE tshirts are available via Emblematic online or at the Bedlington store. Non-branded polo shirts, shirts, jogging pants and shorts are also available via Emblematic online or at the Bedlington store. Cleaswell Hill School branded items can also be ordered via the school office. Parents/carers can purchase unbranded items from other suppliers including supermarkets and high street retailers. No pupil will be treated less favourably for wearing an unbranded alternative. 

Requests regarding pre-loved school uniform availability may be made throughout the year via the school office. Donations of pre-loved uniform may be made at the school office at any time.

Hair should be styled appropriately for school and tied back for physical activities.  

Jewellery must be kept to a minimum (stud earrings and watch). For health and safety, these must be removed for physical activities.  

All uniform items must be labelled, fit for purpose and meet standards of modesty.  

Our uniform policy can be located under the policies section of our school website.

High quality, nutritious, healthy and balanced school meals are available each day at a cost of £2.70 for two courses. Fresh water is served with school meals and available throughout the school day. School meals must be pre-ordered and paid for in advance via School Grid. If you are unable to access School Grid or require any assistance, please contact the school office. For free school meal eligibility, please contact the school office. Pupils may bring in a packed lunch if this is preferable.

The administration of medication at Cleaswell Hill School is governed by the Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions Policy and coordinated by the Medication Coordinator, Jordan Tolley.

School will generally only administer prescribed medication where it is prescribed for four or more times a day, or where it is prescribed to be given at a certain time during the school day (e.g. lunch time).

Generally, non-prescription over the counter medication (such as cold remedies, cough medicines, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, eye drops etc.) will not be administered in school. However, in some circumstances the school may consider administering certain medication and each request received by a parent/carer to do so will be assessed individually. It is school policy that ‘painkillers’ such as paracetamol and ibuprofen will only be administered by school where it is used to manage a medical condition, and not for general issues such as headaches or period pains. In addition, paracetamol and ibuprofen will only be given for a maximum of two days unless a doctor or other medical practitioner provided written evidence of the medical need for continued pain relief.

Parents are also responsible for the timely notification to school of any changes, including the cessation, of medication administered in school. Notification should by made by phone call then followed up by an email to medication@cleaswellhill.org as soon as possible. It is not appropriate to make notification to school via any other method.

General procedures:

1. If parents/carers wish to request that school administer medication, an Administration of Medication Agreement form should be completed and sent to school, preferably in advance of the medication being sent in.

 

2. The parent (not the pupil) or transport contractor should bring all medication to school. It should be delivered to the reception team.

 

3. All prescribed medication taken in school must be kept in its original packaging (with matching batch number) with pharmacy label, which must give the owner’s name, the contents and the dosage to be administered. Any non-prescribed medication given should also be kept in the original packaging and include information on dosage.

 

4. Medication to be taken orally should be supplied with an individual measuring spoon or syringe.

 

5. Renewal of medication which has passed its expiry date is the responsibility of the parent. Nevertheless, school has robust procedures in place to ensure that out of date medication is not administered in error. If parents are unable to collect expired medication, then staff will take it to the local pharmacy so that it can be disposed of safely.

 

If there are any queries relating to the administration of medication, please contact the school office on 01670 823182 or email medication@cleaswellhill.org.

The relevant local authority (in most cases this will be Northumberland County Council) is responsible for arranging suitable school transport for pupils attending Cleaswell Hill School. Further information can be found on Northumberland.gov.uk, including a useful handbook for parents.

School staff are on duty to ensure that all pupils safely embark and disembark their school transport vehicle.

There is no smoking/vaping on school grounds; this must be adhered to by all staff, pupils, visitors, contractors, parents and carers.

Our charging and remissions policy can be located under the policies section of our school website.

On rare occasions it may be necessary to close school without giving parents advance warning.

The primary method of notification will be via SchoolPing along with a post on the school Facebook page.

It is important that we have at least two up-to-date emergency contact numbers in case we need to call you.

Admissions to Cleaswell Hill School

Cleaswell Hill School is a specialist provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Admissions are managed through Northumberland County Council and are made in accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.

Who Can Attend Cleaswell Hill School?

Pupils attending Cleaswell Hill School will normally have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or be undergoing statutory assessment where a specialist placement is being considered. The EHCP identifies a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support required to meet those needs, and the outcomes that they are working towards.

The Local Authority coordinates the EHCP process and gathers advice from education, health and social care professionals. Children, young people and their parents/carers are involved throughout the assessment and review process to ensure that their views and aspirations are considered.

Requesting a Place at Cleaswell Hill School

Parents and carers have the right to express a preference for Cleaswell Hill School when an EHCP is being issued or reviewed. If you feel that Cleaswell Hill School may be the right setting for your child, you should discuss this with your SEND Case Officer at Northumberland County Council.

When a parental preference for Cleaswell Hill School is expressed, the Local Authority will formally consult with the school. Relevant documentation, including the EHCP and supporting professional reports, will be shared so that the school can consider whether it is able to meet the child’s identified needs.

The school will provide its response directly to the Local Authority. The Local Authority will then consider this alongside all available evidence before making a decision about the most appropriate placement for the child or young person.

How Placement Decisions Are Made

While the Local Authority must take parental preference into account, it is also required to consider whether the requested placement is suitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs.

As part of the consultation process, the Local Authority may identify an alternative educational setting if it believes that another school would:

• Better meet the child or young person’s identified needs;
• Support the achievement of outcomes identified within the EHCP;
• Be compatible with the efficient education of other pupils; and/or
• Represent a more efficient use of Local Authority resources.

This means that although parents and carers may request Cleaswell Hill School as their preferred setting, the Local Authority may conclude that a different school is more appropriate. Equally, where Cleaswell Hill School is identified as the most suitable provision, the Local Authority may propose a placement here even where it was not originally named as a parental preference.

The final decision regarding placement rests with the Local Authority.

When a Place Is Offered

If Cleaswell Hill School is named in Section I of a child’s EHCP, the school is required to admit the pupil.

Once a placement has been agreed, the school will work closely with the child, family, previous setting and professionals involved to ensure a smooth transition into school.

Visiting the School

We welcome enquiries from parents and carers who are considering whether Cleaswell Hill School may be suitable for their child. Visits provide an opportunity to see the school, meet staff and learn more about our specialist provision.

To arrange a visit, please contact the school office.

Admissions Process at a Glance

1. Parents/carers discuss specialist provision with their SEND Case Officer.
2. A preference for Cleaswell Hill School may be expressed as part of the EHCP process.
3. The Local Authority consults with Cleaswell Hill School and any other settings being considered.
4. The school reviews the information provided and responds to the Local Authority.
5. The Local Authority considers parental preference, professional advice, the child’s needs and the suitability of available placements.
6. The Local Authority makes the final decision and informs parents/carers.
7. If Cleaswell Hill School is named in the EHCP, the pupil is admitted and transition arrangements begin.

For further information about admissions, please contact the school office or speak to your Northumberland SEND Case Officer.

We have excellent facilities in an inclusive building and grounds. Specialist resources on site include a Hydrotherapy Pool, sports facilities, wildlife area, allotment and sensory studios.

We use the latest technologies to teach and communicate with our pupils and adopt a Total Communication Approach using Voice Output Communication Aids, Makaton signing, symbols, objects of reference and on-body signs.

Our adapted minibuses and wheelchair accessible people carrier ensure that we make full use of community resources and educational visits.

Form – Administration of Medication to Pupils

Form – Healthcare Plan for a Pupil with Medical Needs

Form – Parental Consent

Form – Parental Request for Child to Carry and Self-administer Medicine

Form – Request for Leave of Absence During Term Time

Click here to view the ‘Working together to improve school attendance’ document.

Click here to view the ‘Attendance Strategy’ document.

Click here to view the NHS advice.