Sidestrand Hall – A Centre of Excellence

June 15, 2017

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Sidestrand Hall School is a special school in Norfolk dealing with complex needs for 7-19 year olds.

The school has 4 KS2 classes, 5 KS3 classes, 4 KS4 classes, 2 Sixth form classes. In addition to these, there is a Primary and Secondary Aspergers’ unit and an ASD unit for children with more complex communication difficulties. Children’s achievement is recorded and monitored through Solar – a Special School Assessment tool. Children’s targets are set based on their individual needs and abilities.

Excellent School Facilities

Building work which had been delayed last year has now been completed and the school now has a superbly designed and equipped post 16 provisions. The building is single storey and has been designed to blend in with the surrounding elements and existing buildings. The building provides more classroom bases together with meeting rooms, a flexible space which can be opened to provide a large CPD/training facility. There is also a large common room for student use.

Developing a Teaching and Learning Environment

I have been really impressed by the commitment of Sidestrand Hall School in their approach to, and understanding of, the Inclusion agenda. They have demonstrated, over the past year, a high level of expertise, a real drive and sincerity to develop a teaching and learning environment which enables all the students attending the school to engage with and be motivated to succeed in their own individual learning journeys.

Promoting Inclusion

In addition, the school wishes to take a lead role in the promotion of Inclusion and the sharing of good practice. I would, without reservation, wholeheartedly support the school’s accreditation as an IQM Centre of Excellence, to be reviewed in 12 months.

An Inclusive Ethos

The evidence presented to me, my discussions with the IQM coordinator and my tour of the school confirms the continuing outstanding practice and inclusive ethos embedded at the school.

Centre of Excellence

Whilst the review of activities already taking place demonstrate this and the school’s drive to progress and share good practice with other Norfolk special and mainstream schools, the proposed Centre of Excellence Action Plan is a clear indicator of the school’s desire to be a leading example of not only good practice internally, offering the best possible opportunities for staff, students and parents, but also a true “Centre of Excellence” within the authority.