Parent and Carers Handbook
2025-2026
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Letter from Head
Letter from Head
Welcome to Beacon Hill Specialist School! I am thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant and supportive school community. At Beacon Hill, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
Our dedicated staff team are passionate about providing a personalised education that meets the unique needs of each child and young person. We believe that every student has the potential to achieve great things, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
We offer a nurturing and stimulating environment where the foundations of learning are built through play and exploration. Our goal is to foster curiosity and a love for learning from the very beginning. We provide a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to individual learning styles of every child and young person. We aim to develop independence, confidence, and the skills necessary for future success, both academically and personally. Our students are encouraged to take on new challenges and explore their interests more deeply. We offer a range of preparation for life experiences designed to ready our students for the next stage of their journey, whether that be further education and training, or a social care route
Beacon Hill offers a wealth of opportunities for personal growth through extracurricular activities, therapeutic support, and community engagement. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that every student feels valued and important.
Communication and collaboration with families are key components of our approach. We encourage you to be actively involved in your child’s education and to communicate openly with our staff. Together, we can create a positive and enriching experience for your child. By embracing these principles, we strive to help our students realise their full potential and lead lives that are rich in happiness and fulfilment. We are committed to celebrating every achievement, no matter how small, and to supporting our students every step of the way on their journey to becoming confident, capable, and content individuals.
As you embark on this new chapter, please know that the entire team at Beacon Hill is here to support you. We are excited to see the progress and achievements that will unfold over the coming years. Welcome to the Beacon Hill family!
Kind regards,
Justina Terretta
School Address
School Address
Main Site:
Rising Sun Cottages
Wallsend
North Tyneside
NE28 9JW
6th Form:
Baliol Primary Pembroke Wing
Chesters Avenue
Longbenton
Newcastle
NE12 8QP
Important Contact Numbers and Emails
Important Contact Numbers and Emails
Main Office - 0191 607 1970
Email : office@beaconhill.org.uk
School Nurses: 0191 607 1970 - Option 5
North Tyneside School Transport Team: 0191 643 8726
Email : hometoschooltransport@northtyneside.gov.uk
Free School Meals: 0191 643 2288
School Day
School Day
The school hours below are for all of our students and sites including 6th Form:
📚 School Hours:
9:00 AM – 3:15 PM
📝 Morning Registration:
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
🚕Taxi / School Pick Up
3.15PM
Term Dates
Term Dates
We follow the local authorities (North Tyneside Council) term time calendar guidance. Please see the link for our academic calendar for the 2025 - 2026 school year:
Dates to Remember
Dates to Remember
Please see our yearly activity planner. Please note that days and times may change but we will always notify parents / carers as soon as possible if this is the case. Christmas activity days and times will be sent out after the October Half Term holidays.
Home school transport
Home school transport
Your child may be eligible for transport to and from school; however, please note that the school does not have any control over transport arrangements, decisions, or scheduling.
For North Tyneside residents, you must live 2 miles from the school location for Nursery and Primary students, and 3 miles for Secondary and Sixth form. All queries about transportation must be directed to the School Transportation Team on 0191 643 8726.
If you do not live in North Tyneside you will need to contact your local council to arrange these services as they may have alternative / additional requirements.
Absence
Absence
We understand that ensuring your child attends school regularly and on time is a shared responsibility. We are committed to working together with you to support your child's attendance and to make sure they have the best possible educational experience
We use specific codes on our register
/ \ - Present
O - Unauthorised
L - Late ( Registered after 9.30)
G - Family holiday not Agreed
M - Medical / Dental appointment
Reporting a pupil absence
Please send in a message on your Arbor App or call the school to let us know why your child is off school or if they have planned absence. If your child does not arrive at school and we have not had a message from you we will send a message to ask why they are not in school.
Reasonable adjustments
Schools have a legal obligation under the Equality Act to support pupils with disabilities with reasonable adjustments to allow them to attend school as fully as possible and is specific to the individual and their needs. Please speak with your class teacher to discuss any adjustments your child may need to enable them to access education as fully as possible.
Introducing the Leadership Team
Introducing the Leadership Team
Our Leadership team are a dedicated group of professionals who work collaboratively to ensure the very best experience for every student in our school. With a shared commitment to excellence, they guide the strategic direction of the school, support our staff, and create a safe, inspiring environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Justina Terretta
Head Teacher
Paula Timlin
Deputy Head Teacher
Assistant Head Teachers
Assistant Head Teachers
Anabel Drought
Nicola Ord
Jenni Scantlebury
Anna Blair
Lead Practitioners
Lead Practitioners
Gemma McCrae
Sarah Raine
Graeme Turnbull
Lydia Smith
Mellissa Steadman
Term time Holidays
Term time Holidays
We encourage all parents to take holidays outside of term time, but we understand this is difficult for some of our children due to access to adapted facilities or busy locations in school holidays or the need for extra support from family members. Any holiday requests in term time will be unauthorised and marked as code G, we choose not to fine families due to the additional challenges holidays can pose for children with additional needs. Please complete the form (Term Time Holiday Request). This helps us ensure we are aware of students' whereabouts and prevents them from being recorded as absent without explanation. You will receive email confirmation of your request and this will confirm if your request has been logged as Authorised or Not Authorised.
Accidents and Emergencies and Childhood Illnesses
Accidents and Emergencies and Childhood Illnesses
Accident or Incident
If your child experiences an accident or incident at school, a qualified first aider will assess them and provide any necessary first aid. The details will be recorded in an online accident form, and a notification will be sent to you via Arbor explaining what occurred. In cases involving a head bump, facial scratch, or bite, a member of the class staff will also contact you directly by phone.
The message you receive via Arbor will include the following information:
Important - For the Attention of the Parent / Carer
Dear Parent / Carer, [Child’s Name] has had an accident / injury at school today.
They [description of what happened] and have a [description of injury] on their [area of injury].
They received or refused treatment from a First Aider. If they received First Aid this will then be detailed.
We are very sorry this has happened today and hope [Child’s Name] is feeling better this evening. Should your child suffer any drowsiness, vomiting, impaired vision or excessive pain after returning home please consult your doctor or local hospital. This incident has also been recorded in the school’s Health and Safety records.
If you require further information, you may reply to this message on Arbor, or call the school office. If you would like to speak to the class teacher the school office will arrange a call back.
Emergencies
If we believe your child requires emergency medical attention, we will call 999 immediately and contact you as soon as possible. We will follow the guidance provided by the ambulance service or attending paramedics. Any relevant medical information or care protocols we have on file for your child will be shared with the paramedics along with medication to ensure they receive appropriate care.
Childhood illnesses
Your child will have typical childhood illnesses during their time in school, if they are sick or have diarrhoea they will need to be off for 48 hours form the last bout of sickness
We have created a simple sheet below with some of the most common illnesses and steps to be taken should your child be diagnosed with any of the illnesses listed:
If you are unsure about any illnesses or what to do, please refer to the NHS “Little Orange Book” which has some great advice for parents. If your child has an infectious illness please let usas soon as possible so we can ensure other students or staff who are vulnerable in the class group are alerted if needed.
Medication in School
Medication in School
Our primary concern is always the health, safety, and well-being of our students. We aim to ensure that all necessary methods are put in place to support the children and young people's medical needs.
To maintain a safe environment and comply with school policies and legal requirements, please read and review the following (regarding bringing medicine into school)
Authorisation and Documentation
Any medication must be accompanied by a completed and signed Medication Authorisation Form. This form should include detailed instructions from a licensed healthcare provider and must be signed by a parent or guardian. The form can be acquired at the school office or school website.
Original Packaging
All medication must be brought into school in their original containers (pharmacy label attached) Needs to clearly state the details of prescription (name of child, name of medication, dosage, administration instructions)
Delivery of Medication
Medication should be delivered directly to a member of staff or a taxi escort. This is to ensure safety for all students.
Storage and Administration
Medication should be securely stored in the school nurse's office and administrated accordingly
Reminders for out of date or need for medication
Please remember to send in more medication when it is due to run out, our school nurses will send out reminders on Arbor this is the protocol they will be following
Communication
Communication
Effective communication is key. Please ensure we have your most up-to-date contact details (such as phone numbers and email addresses). If your child’s living arrangements change—whether they’re staying with grandparents or family friends—please inform us, so we know who to contact in case of any emergencies or important matters.
How to Reach Us
Phone Calls: If you need to speak with your child’s teacher, you can leave a message with the office or on Arbor. The teacher will return your call within 24 hours. For urgent matters, let us know, and we will ensure you speak with someone promptly.
In-App Messaging: To send a message to the class team, use the in-app messaging feature on Arbor. Staff will respond through the app and can send up to three messages per week. Regular updates will also be shared by our Admin team.
Evidence for Learning: Keep track of your child’s progress with the Evidence for Learning Family app. Teachers update this daily and share one post with families each week. You can also send photos and comments to the class team through the app.
In-Person Meetings: We will meet with you at your child’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) review each year, as well as twice at Parents’ Evenings. If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s progress, please arrange a suitable time via the app.
Parents' Evening
Parents' Evening
Each year, you will have two Parents’ Evenings:
Autumn Term: This meeting focuses on how your child has settled into their new class.
Summer Term: During this session, you will review their end-of-year report and meet their new class teachers.
We use Arbor for booking Parents’ Evening appointments, and an email will be sent out to advise you of when booking will open and close.
THe email will also include steps on how to book your parents evening slot as well as how to let us know if you are unable to make an appointment. These appointments are completed face to face at the site your child is based at. If you would prefer a phone call, we can arrange this for a mutually convenient day and time, however this will not be the same evening as Parents Evening.
Clothing and Uniform
Clothing and Uniform
Your child will take part in a variety of hands-on activities at school, including outdoor learning, creative play, water play, and Forest School sessions. These experiences can get a little messy — and that’s all part of the fun!
School Uniform
Our school uniform is designed to be comfortable, practical, and inclusive for all children. Logoed school uniform items are available from our supplier:
Emblematic Schoolwear
🔗 Visit Emblematic Uniform Shop
📞 Phone: 0191 270 1449
✅ Branded or Unbranded – Your Choice
Logoed items are not required
You are very welcome to purchase non-branded uniform items in the same school colours from any retailer
♻️ Pre-Loved Uniform
We also have a selection of pre-loved uniform available at school which you are welcome to use and are free of charge. Please ask at the school office if you’d like to have a look or if you need any items.
While we encourage all students to wear school uniform, we understand that there may be times when this is difficult. Please don’t worry if your child is not in the mood to wear a uniform on a particular day — our priority is that they attend school and feel supported. That said, we kindly ask that students wear appropriate clothing. Pyjamas or clothing that is not suitable for a learning environment will not be accepted.
Spare Clothing
Please send in a full set of spare clothes (including underwear and socks) to be kept at school.
These will be used if your child gets wet or muddy during the day.
Waterproofs and Wellies
A set of waterproof clothing (jacket and trousers) and wellies is essential.
These can be kept at school so your child is always prepared for outdoor learning in any weather.
Specialist Clothing
There are various companies who make clothing for young people who have additional needs. For example reusable incontinence underwear, bibs, tube feeding clothing, popper vests, or weighted items. Here are few our families have used in the past:
Fledglings is a not for profit charity who stock a wide range of specially created adaptive clothing suitable for children with a range of specialist needs.
Marks and Spencers sell adaptive bodysuits, romper suits and zipped shoes
Racketys Do a great line in adult size vest with peg access points for tube feeding, incontinence pants and hoodies with rear access velcro
Food and snacks
Food and snacks
School Dinners
Our School Dinners are currently provided by Mellors, their aim is to offer both nutritious and delicious food for our students, they offer a wide range of dishes as shown in the sample menu below. The cost of school dinners is currently £2.60, payments for this can be made via the School Gateway app.
Free school meals
You may be entitled to Free school meals to apply please complete the form online or by contacting North Tyneside Council, this includes Universal Free school meals for students in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
Gastroenteral feeds in school
If your child has a milk feed / blended diet or water flush at school, you will need to send in milk or food daily and the machine your child uses or single use tubes or milks. A new tube / given set will need to be sent in at the start of each half term.
Class staff will be trained by the school nurses to follow the feeding plan from the dietician to meet your child’s feeding and drinking requirements.
If your child is on a blended gastroenteral diet and free school meals our school chefs can blend a school meal to the correct requirements as prescribed by your dietician. If your child requires extra milk to blend the food you will need to send this into school as required.
Selective Eaters in school
Our school chefs are able to offer a dried food diet for those children who prefer not to have wet food or traditional school dinners. The options rotate on a daily basis so this may be sausages one day, then nuggets for example. We try to encourage as varied a diet as possible and salad is always available to choose.
Packed Lunches
Many of our students bring their own packed lunch to school, depending upon the group they are in they will either eat this in the class with their peers or down in the dinner hall. We don't have any specific rules around what should be in a lunch box, the contents are as individual as the child they feed! Please make sure your child’s lunch box is clearly labelled with their name and class number.
Greggs breakfast
We are currently a Greggs Breakfast Club school, this enables us to claim funding towards breakfast items for our students. This enables students to have a meaningful start to their day. Class staff are able to offer breakfast items daily which include toast, crumpets, cereal and yoghurts.
Snack time
Each class has a different way of working according to their pupils, Snack time can be a useful time for encouraging communication and choice making, it can be an opportunity to get extra calories in, it could be for social experiences. We encourage you to send in snacks your child would enjoy on a weekly basis. All children will need a water bottle and if they dont drink water - a drink they prefer.
Curriculum and Pathways
Curriculum and Pathways
To ensure that we are able to meet each student’s needs as specifically as possible Beacon Hill School’s curriculum is arranged into four pathways. These are the Explorer ; the Traveller; the Adventurer; and the Discoverer Pathway. Students transition into the best pathway for them following the Early Years Foundation Stage. Each curriculum pathway is designed to best meet the needs of the students in terms of the curriculum areas, the learning environment and the teaching and learning approaches. Pathways are not static and students can move into different pathways as their learner characteristics develop and change.
School Facilities
School Facilities
Hydro Pool
We have a school hydro pool which is 1m and is heated, we prioritise students who are in the Explorer pathway who have physical disabilities, we also offer sessions for those students on the Adventurer pathway who may struggle to access a pool in the community with their families
Soft Play
We have a soft play room located within the main school. This provides a safe and stimulating environment where pupils are free to explore movement, develop gross motor skills and body awareness. Soft play helps with engagement and increased communication as well as supporting positive interactions with other pupils and staff.This areas is prioritised for Travellers and Adventurers and Discoverers in Keys stage 1 and 2
Rebound
Rebound Therapy is used to facilitate movement, promote balance, promote an increase or decrease in muscle tone, promote relaxation, promote sensory integration, improve fitness and exercise tolerance, and to improve communication skills. We have a room dedicated for this use with a trampoline embedded in the floor of the room. Rebound therapy is prioritised for our students working in the Explorer Pathway
Jabadao
We have two Jabadao spaces in school, students are able to access the rooms for weekly sessions or movement breaks. The Jabadao approach of movement play influences the importance of physical play to aid development. The benefits of Jabadao include promoting good health, wellbeing, happiness and learning. This area is prioritised for Travellers and Adventurers in the main school site.
Forest school
Forest School is a child-centered learning process which creates opportunities for holistic development through its long-term approach to developing skills such as exploration, investigation and enquiry, cooperation and communication and supported risk taking. This is prioritised for our Discoverer students of all ages.
School Apps – What You Need to Know
School Apps – What You Need to Know
We use three different apps at school to help keep you informed and involved in your child's education:
Arbor – For school communication and records
Arbor is our School Management System. It’s where we store your child’s information and send you important messages. You can also view school reports, update consents, and access key documents like PLGs and EHCPs.
To get started:
Go to your app store and search for "Arbor".
Download the app.
Log in using the email address you have registered with school.
Click "Forgotten Password" to set your own memorable password
Evidence for Learning (EfL) – To see your child's classroom progress
This app shows the work your child has done in class, with photos and teacher comments.
To get started:
Go to your app store and search for "Evidence for Learning - Family".
Download the app.
Use the following login details:
Domain: beaconhillschool (all one word, lowercase)
Username: your email address registered with school
Click "Forgotten Password" to create your own memorable password.
School Gateway – For payments
Use this app to pay for school meals, trips, residentials, and charity events.
To get started:
Go to your app store and search for "School Gateway".
Download the app.
Log in using your school-registered email address.
Click "Forgotten Password" to set your own password.
Permissions / Consent
Permissions / Consent
Each year you will be prompted on Arbor to complete consent / permission requests for various activities within school for your child these include:
I agree that my child can be given emergency medication by Teaching staff if required
I agree that my child may appear in the media in connection with school activities.
I agree that my child’s image may appear in the school’s newsletter and I understand that this also appears on school website. They may be named (first name only)
I agree that the school may record my child’s image on video or webcam for training purposes within school.
I agree that the school may use my child’s image on its website
I agree that the school may use my child’s photograph in documents produced for school or LA promotional information e.g sports events, charity days etc
I agree to my child having annual school photo's taken by a recognised school photographer and photos sent home?
I agree to my child's first name being shared with other parents for cards / invites etc?
I agree to my child's image appearing on School Facebook and Instagram pages
I agree to my child's image being in the background of another child's evidence for learning reports
I agree to my child's image being used in "social stories" to support transition to new classes
I agree to my child's image being used in a school prospectus
If ever there are any concerns about your child’s health in school, do you give permission for the school nurse or doctor to examine your child and take any action necessary?
If your child is prescribed an inhaler or AAI device (epipen) do you consent to your child using an emergency replacement if required
To administer sun cream as required? (You will need to send Sun Cream in for us to use)
To be involved in PSHE health care which includes nail clipping or filing, use of hand creams?
To be transported, if necessary, in a staff member’s car. The member of staff will have police clearance and their vehicle will be insured for business use.
To take part in regular educational visits outside school supervised by school staff? (for full day visits specific permission will be sought).
To take part in swimming sessions supervised by school staff? (The relevant school rules are available on request).
To take part in Trampoline/Rebound Therapy sessions supervised by school staff? (The relevant school rules are available on request).
Social Media
Social Media
Beacon Hill School has both a Facebook and Instagram page, which we regularly update with class photos, events and useful information. We also link to other local interest pages and support networks for families with children with SEND
Facebook - Beacon Hill School
Instagram - Beacon_hill_school
Charities
Charities
At Beacon Hill we like to raise funds for the school and for others outside of school. We choose not to celebrate every charity day as we understand the costs for families and staff can add up. We fundraise for three charities other than our own over the year, one is decided by staff, one by students and one by parents. We also celebrate other events to highlight the cause and offer opportunities for the students to do fun activities to create awareness of other charities and doing things for others
Friends of Beacon Hill
Is a registered charity set up and run by parents and carers, their aim is to raise money to help support school. They regularly meet at school coffee mornings and like to be involved in various fund raising projects. Last year we had a group of runners raising money by running the Great North Run
[insert link]
Amazon Wish Lists
We have termly requests for classroom resources through Amazon Wishlists
Go Fund me
We are currently trying to raise funds for a new outdoor area at Beacon Hill School, we are running regular fundraising events and have set up a Go Fund Me page.
Family Support
Family Support
We have just appointed a new family support worker - more details to follow , she is the first port of call for advice for the family and can direct you to whoever you need. They will be happy to discuss any questions in relation to the Early Help Assessment process and can be contacted by calling the School office, and will be available at all of our coffee mornings
Coffee mornings
We hold two coffee mornings each term for parents. In the last year we have copied topics such as the curriculum, learning through play, Mindful Mandala painting, Friends of Beacon Hill charity fundraising, and the continence team. We are led by the parents who attend and suggest ideas. We are usually supported by the citizen advice team and the Parent carers forum
EHA information
Early Help is vital for improving children’s life chances and delivering better outcomes for them and their families. The sooner we can help families, the more likely it is that they can achieve positive and stable futures. Children and families need to be equipped to adapt positively to challenging life experiences. We know resilient families and communities can bounce back and thrive despite the challenges they face.
While our aim is for children, young people and their families to be confident and independent through their own personal resilience and the support of their networks, this isn’t always possible without some external help. This help needs to be delivered by a variety of partners whose support is available to everyone, such as early years, health services, education, play and youth provision; as well as effective accessible targeted or more specialist services, when they are needed.
Our Prevention and Early Help model is based on the belief that building trusting relationships, providing the right support at the right time and in the right place, will help keep children and young people safe within their families, networks and communities.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
More to follow
Any concerns please speak with Francesca Devlin our Designated Safeguarding Lead
Parent code of conduct
Parent code of conduct
More to follow
Jargon Buster
Jargon Buster
Annual Review meeting – held each year to review the EHCP
ASC – Autistic Spectrum Condition
ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder
CAMHS – Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service
CIN – Child in Need
CLDT – Community Learning Disabilities Team
Disengagement techniques – How to safely remove oneself from a physical confrontation
EHCP – Educational Health Care Plan – updated each year in annual review meetings
EHA – Early Help Assessment
EOTS – Educated Other Than at School
LA – Local Authority
NAS – National Autistic Society – through which we are accredited
OT – Occupational Health
PBS – Positive Behaviour Support Plans
PLG – Personal Learning Goals – updated termly for each pupil
Positive handling – a range of holistic strategies used to deescalate a situation, safe handling
SALT – Speech and Language Therapy
SCERTS – social communication emotional regulation transactional supports - used to target priority goals in social communication and emotional regulation through the implementation of transactional supports.
Senco – Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Team Teach – training provided to staff to support their understanding and management of challenging behaviour, by embedding the teaching of physical techniques within a holistic, positive behavioural support, de-escalation approach.
VOCA – Voice Output Communication Aids – for example a tablet communication device
Useful Contacts
Useful Contacts
North Tyneside Children's Social Care
0345 2000 209
Northumberland Children's Social Care
01670 536400
Newcastle Children’s Social Care
0191 277 2500
North Tyneside Community Learning Disability Team
0191 295 2764
Northumberland Community Learning Disability Team
01670 844799
Newcastle Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS)
0800 6522864
First Contact Team:
For referrals to short breaks, contact the First Contact Team on 01670 536 400.
Children's Disability Team (CDT)
The Children's Disabilities Team is a small specialist team working in Children’s Social Care at North Tyneside Council.
How to access the service: Telephone Front Door on 0345 2000 109
Transition Team
The Transition Team (TT) is an integral part of North Tyneside Council’s Social Care resource, working alongside the Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT adults) and Children’s Disability Team (CDT), all of these fall under the umbrella of the Whole Life Disability Service.
The Transition Team can be contacted via CDT admin, 0191 6434151.
North Tyneside Parent Carer Forum: Provides support to parent carers of children/young people aged 0-25 with SEND, including information about short breaks.
North Tyneside Local Offer: This online resource provides information about universal short breaks, specialist providers, and how to access services.
Harbour 03000 20 25 25 (24 Hour Helpline)
Harbour provides support for families subject to domestic violence
Acorns 0191 349 8366 or text 07712 862 858
Support for children affected by domestic violence
Local Offer
The Local Offer provides information for children and young people (from birth to 25 years) with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and their families.
The Local Offer brings together information in one place so parents, carers and young people can see the range of services and support available in their local area and understand how to access them.
Parent Governors
Parent Governors
More information to follow
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