QEHS School Information Guide Guide 2024 25 Web
QEHS School Information Guide Guide 2024 25 Web
Respect
This is a friendly, welcoming school, built on foundations of mutual respect and care
for others. We work together to become all we can be.
Engage
We share a love of learning and believe in the highest academic standards for
everyone. We value education in its broadest sense, knowing that the arts, sport and
other opportunities help shape us as individuals and as citizens of the wider world.
Aspire
We are committed to enabling all of our students to develop their knowledge
and understanding, skills and mindset, so that they can take their next steps with
confidence. Our aim is that every child will grow into a happy, fulfilled
and successful adult.
* From the Charter granted to the people of Hexham by Queen Elizabeth I, 1599
Contents
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Email: [email protected]
Absence Line
Absence Line – 01434 610 354. This number can be used from 8.00am to speak to a member of staff. Outside of school
hours you are able to leave a voicemail.
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School Life
Timing of the School Day
The achievement and progression team is responsible for all academic events in school relating to achievement and
progression, including:
If you have a general enquiry about your child’s progress in lessons it should be directed, in the first instance, to their
subject teacher via a note in the planner or a telephone call/letter. More complex subject-based issues can be dealt with
by contacting the curriculum or subject leader.
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The achievement and progression team can deal with enquiries relating to the curriculum, options and higher education
applications, and complex academic issues which cannot be resolved by curriculum leaders or the SENDCo.
To speak to a member of the achievement and progression team about issues relating to subject choices, progression
and sixth form queries, please telephone 01434 610 300 or email: [email protected].
Led by Ms A Lloyd
The assistant headteacher for curriculum, learning and teaching is responsible for:
• the quality of education in the high school, this includes learning and teaching
• the sequencing of the curriculum and the curriculum rationale in different subjects
• developing effective learning and study strategies for students
• the programme of professional development for teaching staff
• the induction of new teachers
• oversight of the early careers framework for newly qualified teachers
• quality of remote learning provision.
To speak to the assistant headteacher in charge of curriculum, learning and teaching, please telephone 01434 610 300
or email: [email protected].
At QEHS, we pride ourselves on having high expectations for all our students in all areas. However, we acknowledge that
for some students more support will be needed to enable them to achieve their full potential.
We try to tailor all our support to be bespoke and appropriate for each and every individual. Support is geared to help
students to be respectful, to engage with their learning and ultimately to aspire to do their best. Branches of support are
offered in a range of different areas, all with the same goal of removing any barriers to learning.
Day to day, students will see their form tutor each morning, who will act as a first point of contact for both students and
parents. If you have a concern about your child, in the first instance you should contact their tutor.
Each year group is overseen by a year team comprising the head of year and deputy head of year. The year team will work
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closely with tutors and parents to support students in all areas, including behaviour and attendance. If a student requires
more specific support, then a referral will be made to our student support co-ordinator, who will identify the appropriate
strand of support for them.
QEHS
Sixth Form
The head of year for Year 12 & 13 is Mr E Brown: email [email protected].
The assistant headteacher in charge of sixth form is Ms R Platts: email [email protected].
Mentors
A team of mentors is available to support students with their social and emotional needs. Mentors operate on an
appointment system and will work with students on a wide range of issues, including but not limited to, anxiety, anger
management, self-confidence, self-esteem and social skills.
We have a fantastic SEND department, members of which will work closely with students and parents to understand the
student’s need and ensure that the best possible provision is made for them in all lessons.
Ms Wood and her team oversee provisions for students with special educational needs. They are responsible for:
• responding to internal referral, assessments, and external referrals for students with special educational needs
• overseeing special exam arrangements
• co-ordination and implementation of Education Health Care Plans
• communicating a student’s SEND information to staff
• providing training to staff on supporting students with additional needs
• oversight and co-ordination of EAL provision.
Our special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator (SENDCo) is Ms J Wood: email: [email protected].
Our assistant special needs and disabilities co-ordinators are Ms D Cunningham and Ms L MacKenzie,
email: [email protected]
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Personal Development
Led by Mr A Hedley
The wider curriculum is enriching and stimulating, and we truly believe there are opportunities for each and every
student. Staff at Queen Elizabeth High School believe in providing rich and fulfilling experiences across all curriculum
areas. Our approach to students’ personal development encompasses character building, cultural experiences, careers
and further education, keeping safe and positive well-being, whilst also promoting British values and social cohesion.
We understand the local context and ensure that learning focuses on the world around us – both locally within the
community and internationally. The six strands of personal development are woven through the school curriculum:
The wide range of extra-curricular opportunities can be found on the school website, and we encourage all children to
get involved in both in-school and after-school activities.
Business Services
Led by Mr J Riley, Chief Financial Officer, and Ms E Simpson, Trust Business Manager & HR Manager
The business services team manages resources such as school catering, site and facilities management, finance, and HR.
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Social Media
QEHS has Facebook and Instagram pages that are updated regularly:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QEHSHexham/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qehs_sixth_form/
Our art department also has an Instagram account that showcases students’ work: https://instagram.com/qehsart.
Bromcom
Queen Elizabeth High School uses Bromcom, to help us communicate more effectively with home. It allows you to receive
information about your child via the My Child at School parent portal. Communication from school can be sent directly
through the parent portal, via email or text, directly to your chosen email and mobile account.
You can use the My Child at School parent portal to keep track of your child’s behaviour, view attendance records, access
their weekly timetable, view assigned homework tasks, track scheduled detentions and view announcements.
Full details of the My Child at School parent portal will be sent to all parents.
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If you have followed the procedure above and a concern still exists then please contact Ms H Curry, Assistant Headteacher
- Student Standards and Support, Ms R Platts, Assistant Headteacher - Sixth Form or Ms A Lloyd, Assistant Headteacher -
Teaching and Learning,
If you wish to make a complaint, you can find our complaints procedure on this page of our website:
https://www.qehs.net/policies/
Attendance
Full attendance is a vital part of academic success. Students are able to keep track of their own attendance using the
attendance chart in their student planners and on the Bromcom student portal. Attendance should be as close to 100%
as possible and students should rarely miss a day of school; our intervention will begin when attendance falls to 96%.
Missing lessons can have a big impact on Key Stage 3 achievement and GCSE grades; excellent attendance improves
learning and success. If a student’s attendance falls to a level of concern, you will be contacted and a meeting at school
may be necessary; we will intervene quickly when attendance is in danger of falling to unacceptable levels. A doctor’s
note may be requested if there is persistent absence due to illness.
Our attendance officer will work closely with families to support with good attendance, alongside the local authority.
Our Attendance Policy is on the school website on our Policies Page https://www.qehs.netpolicies/ and gives further
information on all our procedures and our expectations regarding attendance.
Absence
If your child is too ill to attend school, please contact the Absence Line on 01434 610 354. This number can be used from
8.00am to speak to a member of staff. Outside of school hours you are able to leave a voicemail.
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When calling, please provide as much information as possible, including the student’s full name, the nature of the illness
and the name of the person calling. Please remember, the school is responsible for authorising the absence, not parents/
carers, so there may be follow up calls from year team staff.
We aim to contact all parents/carers of students on the first day of absence if no contact has been made. This is done via
a text message asking parents/carers to confirm the reason for absence.
Please make appointments for the dentist and doctor out of school hours.
There will be occasions when a child has to miss school, for example if they are unwell, and parents/carers are expected
to exercise their judgement on whether their child is fit to attend school if there are signs and symptoms of illness. Any
other absences should be kept to an absolute minimum. In particular, parents/carers do not have the right to take their
children out of school during term time in order to go on holiday.
Government regulations state that a headteacher “may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there
are exceptional circumstances”. The Hexham Partnership of Schools discourages parents/carers from arranging any
events during term time and will, as a rule, state that leave of absence will not be granted unless there are exceptional
circumstances that might justify it, e.g. forces personnel on leave from a foreign posting, or evidence provided by an
employer that states leave cannot be accommodated during school holidays without significant consequence.
A parent/carer requesting leave of absence during term time should make the application in writing at least two weeks
in advance. A leave of absence request form and the Hexham Partnership of Schools’ Policy for Leave of Absence during
Term Time are available from the school office or can be downloaded from our website:
https://www.qehs.net/index.php/attendance-and-absence/
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School Uniform
Uniform should be appropriate in regard to both the policy and the judgement of the student support and senior
leadership teams. The school believes that being smart and appropriately dressed for school demonstrates students’
engagement and belonging to school. If reasonable adjustments relating to school uniform are required for your child,
please contact the SEND team who can help you with any queries. Please note, evidence of a sensory need must be
supported by a medical report or diagnosis.
General:
Accessories:
Watches and a single stud in each ear • All piercings and retainers must
Jewellery
are permitted be removed for all PE lessons
• Watches must be removed for all
PE lessons
• Ears studs must be removed for
PE**
• No earrings or other piercings
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Equipment All students must carry a bag • Pencil cases, stationery and
containing a pencil case, black pen, scientific calculators are available
red pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and in school from the learning
scientific calculator resource centre
If there are issues with a student’s uniform we will work with the family to support in resolving the issue.
* For health and safety reasons students will be expected to change their footwear for PE lessons.
**Please time ear piercing to be at the start of the summer holidays so that it does not prevent removing studs in PE
lessons. In September, students will be expected to remove all piercings for PE lessons. They may not be covered by
plasters or tape.
This information is also available on the uniform page of our website: https://www.qehs.net/index.php/school-uniform/
Buying Uniform
Sweatshirt, PE Kit and Other Items with the QEHS Logo
All uniform with the QEHS logo can be purchased from Michael Sehgal & Sons online. Details of the items available can
be seen online at https://www.michaelsehgal.co.uk/schools/queen-elizabeth-high-school-hexham/
In-store Appointments
New starters are offered the opportunity to try on all required uniform within a 15 minute time slot at the store in
Newcastle. Bookings can be made online.
The Michael Sehgal sales team is available to help with any queries (email: [email protected]). Sizing guides are
available on their website and there are no time limits for exchanges. They also offer refunds on unworn
items. If items are unavailable for a protracted time, the Michael Sehgal’s sales team will get in touch to advise you.
Pre-loved Uniform
We understand that uniform is a significant additional cost and want to ensure that we support students and families. We
have tried to minimise the number of branded items required.
At QEHS we are keen to promote the reuse and recycling of uniform. Our PTA volunteers work hard to keep on top of
supplies and work with our year teams to distribute according to need. If you require support with uniform, please
complete this form: https://www.cognitoforms.com/HadrianLearningTrust/QEHSUniformRequest
On some occasions we may be able to subsidise the cost of new uniform. Each request will be reviewed individually. We
also have second hand uniform available for parents on request. Please see our website for more details.
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Additional non-compulsory school logo items (e.g. additional items of PE kit) can also be purchased from our uniform
provider, Michael Sehgal & Sons.
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PE Tips
• PE bags should be large enough to accommodate all kit, boots and trainers.
• Include a carrier bag for wet and muddy footwear.
• Write the student’s surname along the foot of PE socks in permanent pen.
• Write names on the inside of hems as well as on labels.
• Choose shorts with a white label rather than a black label, as it is easier to write on a white label.
• For health and safety reasons, students will be expected to change their footwear for PE lessons.
Please note: In PE, we adopt a ‘no-notes’ policy. All students attending school are expected to bring their PE kit to
lessons. If a student has recently returned to school following an illness, we still expect that they bring their PE kit and
participate, but we’d like the student to have a conversation with their PE teacher if they feel too unwell to participate
fully. The PE staff will then ensure that the student can participate in their planned programme, but in an alternative role
within the lesson; we want all students to be involved whether this be as a participant, coach, official or leader. We will not
expect students who have recently had or are recently recovering from a serious injury or illness to follow this procedure.
Please continue to communicate with the PE department regarding any serious injuries or illnesses that will require non-
participation for a specific period of time.
Please note – when representing the school rugby teams, students are required to wear the pro rugby shirt, pro rugby
shorts and pro rugby socks.
Additional requirements:
• One pair of football boots. Boots must have either a moulded stud or a screw in stud (note screw in studs must
be kite marked for safety reasons) for use on the 3G pitch.
Image Legal
Provided the moulded stud is greater
than or equal to 10mm diameter, and
there are no sharp edges or burring.
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All students are required to have a pair of moulded studded boots for various units of work in their physical education
lessons. At several times throughout the academic year, students will use the 3G pitch for their lessons, and it is compulsory
to only wear studded boots on this playing surface. We hold a ‘boot bank’ within school. If a student wishes to borrow
studded boots for a set period of time, they just need to give a £5 deposit to the PE department for a pair of studded
boots to keep as their own and to take home. If the boots become too small or a student no longer needs them, they just
need to return them to the PE department and they will receive their £5 deposit back, or collect a larger size.
• A bag:
- large enough to carry an A4 file and other books, etc., not a handbag
- the bag should be brought to school every day
• Should contain:
- planner - rubber
- pens - calculator
- pencils - any other equipment necessary
- ruler for students’ option subjects
This equipment is essential for students to learn effectively. Tutors will check if students have equipment and follow up
with sanctions should there be a persistent problem. Stationery items are available to purchase in the Learning Resource
Centre (see page 31).
Students should not bring valuables or large amounts of money into school. Mobile phones and earbuds/headphones
are allowed in school but must be switched off and stored in school bags at all times. These items are not allowed to be
used in corridors/social areas and may be confiscated if they are used in school. If this is the case they can be collected
only at the end of the school day.
It is easier to trace the owner of lost property if it is clearly labelled. However, lost property is stored in the Learning
Resource Centre (LRC). We cannot take responsibility for the loss or damage of any personal belongings (including
mobile phones, etc.).
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Student Planners
Students are given a planner at the start of each academic year. The planner is an important way of communicating
between home and school. Students should use the planner to record homework and parents/carers should read and
sign it on a weekly basis. The planner will also be signed by the form tutor.
The planner contains a lot of very important information and it would be helpful if parents/carers took time to go through
it with their child. Form tutors will also explain the sections of the planner to their tutor group.
Curriculum
At Queen Elizabeth High School we offer a curriculum which reflects our commitment to enabling all of our students to
develop their knowledge and understanding, skills, and mindset, so that they can take their next steps with confidence.
By having high expectations of all learners as they are guided through well-sequenced programmes of study, students
are enabled to know more and remember more. We value education in its broadest sense and it is by a holistic approach
that we ensure that we prepare students to take the next steps in their academic journey alongside nurturing them to be
thoughtful and responsible citizens of the wider world.
The curriculum is planned in conjunction with the high school’s main feeder middle schools, to afford students the best
opportunity to build on prior learning as they begin their studies in Year 9. Across all subjects, teachers translate and
impart the curriculum expertly to students in manageable steps, adapted to each student’s starting points in the topic.
A detailed overview of each subject can be found on the school’s website: https://www.qehs.net/index.php/curriculum-
by-subject/
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Homework
Studying and working independently outside of normal lesson times supports students to consolidate their learning in
the classroom as well as developing independent study skills that are crucial for academic success. All students at Queen
Elizabeth High School must complete regular homework in accordance with the school’s policy, a copy of which may
be found here: https://www.qehs.net/policies/. Students will record all homework tasks set by teachers in their student
planner. We value the dialogue with parents as we jointly support students to develop their independence through
home study and would encourage you to contact your son/daughter’s subject teacher or form teacher if you have any
questions or concerns around homework.
The student planner helps students manage and organise their homework. Homework timetables will be issued at the
start of the autumn term, but will follow the guidelines below:
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The academic progress data we collect and share with parents/carers helps teachers and other staff intervene and
support students who are falling below target and to provide appropriate advice and guidance for students who are
making option choices for Year 10 or Year 12, or decisions on higher education, apprenticeships and training. Reports are
available to view in the My Child at School Portal (see page 10) and a copy will also be emailed home.
Celebrating Achievement
We aim to celebrate the achievement of all our students, not only for their academic attainment and progress, but also
for their contribution to the life of the school.
On a day-to-day basis, teachers will praise the work of students by recognising their achievement through marking work
and giving verbal feedback. Our written reports also seek to highlight the strengths of students.
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Behaviour Management
We pride ourselves on outstanding standards of behaviour throughout the school. We aim to create an environment
which consistently supports all students to behave in the best way that they can so that they can succeed at school.
Full details of our Behaviour Policy can be found on our Policies page https://www.qehs.net/policies/
During the school day, we use the S (sanction) & P (positive) system to monitor, sanction and reward student’ behaviour.
P3
• 4 positive behaviour points
• Continued good classroom behaviour
• Outstanding behaviour throughout the lesson
P4
Students’ reward points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for rewards.
Reward afternoons run each term and students can attend a variety of activities using their P points.
P point totals are recognised weekly in assemblies and tutor group and individual awards are offered.
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S2P3
• 3 negative behaviour points
• Lunchtime detention
• Continued disruption, talking, distracting others, lack of engagement
• Failure to complete homework and meet expectations
S3 •
S4 detentions run every night, except Tuesdays, from 3.20 - 4.15pm in the dining hall.
Failure to attend these detentions will result in an escalation to a day seclusion plus two hours’ detention.
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Making Payments
We use the My Child at School parent portal for payments for school meals, trips and other resources and activities.
Using online payments provides additional security as well as saving the school significant administration time.
You will also be able to view school meal balances and purchase details, which are updated daily.
Full details of the My Child at School parent portal will be sent to all parents.
School Meals
All of our meals are freshly prepared on a daily basis using good quality ingredients. It is our aim to ensure that all
students can choose from a wide range of healthy, tasty and nutritious meals and products. There are vegetarian options
available every day and we can cater for special diets if required.
• a selection of cereals
• a selection of savoury items including toast, toasted sandwiches, teacakes, breakfast muffins, crumpets and
bacon sandwiches
• a range of sandwiches and wraps
• a variety of fresh fruit and yoghurts
• water, juices and flavoured water; hot drinks are available from the vending machines.
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Our menus and a price list are available on the school website. Our menu is produced in line with the government’s
food standards. For those students who bring a packed lunch to school we ask parents/carers to refrain from including
confectionery, crisps or fizzy drinks.
Please note - it is recommended that parent/carers supply a medical/dietitian letter to support the special diet
requirements as self-diagnosed or personal food preferences are not able to be accommodated.
Account Balance
It would be appreciated if students’ accounts maintain a credit balance at all times. Students can check their account
balance on the cashless loading machine in the dining hall or they may ask at the till point. We will, however, endeavour
to notify students if their balance is low or the account has insufficient funds. Contact will be made with parents/carers
where insufficient funds are available or there is money owing on the students’ account.
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Parents of students with a free meal allowance may also add money to their child’s account by the My Child at School
parent portal to enable their child to purchase additional items above the free school meal allocation of £3.20.
If you wish to have a spend limit applied to the account to ensure your child does not spend above the FSM allowance
or limit the amount they can spend above the FSM, please contact our Catering Manager, email [email protected] or
telephone 01434 610330.
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals you can apply online https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/
Education/Schools/Meals.aspx or by telephone 0345 6006400.
Data Handling
Certain data will be held on the system to enable accurate operation. This will include the student’s name, registration
class, photo, account balance, and meal entitlement. This data is handled under the guidelines of the General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR) and only used by parties directly involved with the implementation of the system. If you
have any concerns please contact the School Office on 01434 610 300.
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Student Well-being
Transfer
The transition between Year 8 and Year 9 is very important. Student support staff will work closely with each middle
school to talk to students and colleagues and ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Parents/carers will have
opportunities to find out about the transition process, the curriculum and the support systems.
Mid-Year Admissions
Once a successful application to Northumberland County Council has been made, you will receive a ‘Mid-year admission’
pack from the school containing all relevant documents.
You will be invited into school, along with your child, for an informal tour which will also give you the opportunity to ask
any questions. If your son or daughter is in Year 10 or Year 11, we will endeavour to provide a curriculum that is as close
as possible to the one studied previously. However, please be aware that we may not be able to offer the same courses.
Also, please be aware that new timetables for all year groups, except students starting in Years 9 and 12, begin after
summer half-term, rather than September.
Anti‑Bullying
We have an Anti‑Bullying Policy that provides effective procedures for dealing with incidents. The full Anti‑Bullying
Policy is available on the QEHS website and students have more information and advice regarding bullying in their
student planners. We also encourage students themselves to be vigilant and to talk to us about any concerns they may
have. Please inform the Year Team if you have any concerns regarding bullying.
We are an inclusive school and want to ensure that all our students feel welcome and safe here at QEHS. We have a
number of students who are making changes so they can live in their gender identity and work hard to offer bespoke
support to each of them individually.
Within school we have male and female toilets available throughout the building. We also have one gender neutral set
of toilets within the hydro building. All toilets are cubicles with floor to ceiling doors with a shared sink area. There are
also a number of individual toilets throughout the school. Transgender students can choose which toilets they prefer
to use.
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If you, as parents/carers, have any concerns you feel are a child protection issue then you can contact Ms H Curry
directly or, if you prefer, your child’s head of year and they will liaise with her. Our Child Protection Policy is available
on our website: https://www.qehs.net/policies/
Online Safety
QEHS takes Online Safety very seriously. We have a detailed Online Safety Policy, available via the school website at
https://www.qehs.net/policies/ that covers all aspects of electronic safety.
We aim to educate everyone connected with our school community. In order to maximise the extent of this education,
we:
• have annual training and regular updates for all staff;
• deliver education to the students through the PSHE/assembly programme;
• access to a comprehensive online safety programme for students and parents/carers through
NationalOnlineSafety.com;
• have a dedicated section on the school website which includes the ability to report suspicious online behaviour
direct to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre);
• conduct an annual parental Online Safety awareness survey;
• offer parental briefing/training sessions.
All internet access and usage is filtered, monitored, and logged. Policy Central Enterprise (PCE) software monitors use
of devices by students and provides reports to senior staff on a weekly basis. All students, parents/carers and staff are
required to sign the Acceptable Use Policy. This covers aspects such as internet use and equipment use within the school.
Should school equipment and systems be abused, students are seen and parents/carers contacted as appropriate.
Students also have guidance notes on Online Safety in their planners which they are required to sign. This contains
information on the Acceptable Use Policy and the use of mobile technology. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact the school Online Safety lead.
Emergency Contacts
It is vital that we have an up-to-date contact number for parents/carers and an emergency contact for those occasions
when a parent/carer cannot be reached. The parents/carers of new Year 9 students should have already been sent an
emergency contact information form to complete.
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This is also a chewing gum free site and chewing gum should be disposed of before entering the school site.
The School Nurse service also operates a text service called Chat Health, where young people can text the nurse in
confidence for advice and support. The text number is 07507 332258. More information about the School Nurse service
can be found at https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/our-services/childrens-services/school-nursing-service/
We have high expectations of all students and staff and we believe that it is the entitlement of all to have the opportunity
to achieve their full potential. Our learning support assistants (LSAs) work in lessons alongside teaching staff to support
learners’ academic progression as well as in our Base with individual students and small groups. We aim to support
students’ individual needs, helping them prepare for adulthood and have a happy, safe experience at school. As well as
supporting and monitoring students who have been identified to us at time of transfer, we also assess students referred
to us by teaching staff as well as by parents/carers.
The school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCo) is Ms J Wood. Our assistant SENDCos are
Ms L MacKenzie and Ms D Cunningham. The behavior support workers are Ms E Urwin and Ms K Allen.
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Accessibility
The school is committed to equality of opportunity. We intend that every member of the school community feels a sense
of belonging and is valued.
QEHS produces a number of publications which are posted on our website. These publications are available in alternative
formats on request. Our website has a high visibility version available.
There is access to the school for those with physical disabilities. Should anyone require assistance they should ask at
reception. Alternative venues in school can be found for visitors if there is a problem with accessibility to certain floors of
the building. We are fully committed to discharging our equalities duties for students, staff and visitors to the school site.
We continue to strive for a curriculum that is inclusive to all students; our equalities information and our accessibility plan
are available on our website.
Multi-Agency Working
We aim to provide exceptional support for students and their families/carers. We work in partnership with other schools
and agencies, including voluntary and community organisations, signposting to existing services where appropriate.
We consult widely with all our stakeholders including students, families, our staff and the wider community to identify
priorities and needs.
We have close working relationships with a wide variety of agencies including Educational Psychologists, Behaviour
Support Workers, Inclusion Support Workers and Communication Support staff. We also work closely with the Early
Help team who can provide Early Help Family Workers, the Education Welfare Service (attendance), Public Health School
Nurses, Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS), the Youth Service, the local police, the Children’s Centre, Children’s
Services (social workers) and voluntary and community sector organisations e.g. Hexham Youth Initiative, Tynedale
Hospice and Northumberland Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS), to co‑ordinate support for our students and their families/
carers depending on their needs.
We will work with you as parents/carers to make referrals for support via the West Northumberland multi-agency HUB to
ensure the appropriate help is provided.
We firmly believe the school is part of the community and our student support work reflects the needs of the community.
Regular multi-agency meetings take place with the Student Support Team and Special Educational Needs and Disability
Co-ordinator (SENDCo) to ensure effective working across the organisations and professionals involved. Prevention and
early intervention is a key focus of this work.
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Parents/carers will be contacted when it is felt a multi-agency approach may be beneficial to their child. An early help
assessment may be undertaken to ensure this work is fully co-ordinated and the young person supported appropriately.
Parents/carers can contact their child’s Head of Year or a Mentor should they wish to discuss any issue where they feel
additional support may be required.
Student Voice
Student views are taken throughout the year. This takes place in various forms including student panels, student voice
forums and surveys. Various issues have been a focus in the past including developing school lunch menus, fundraising
events for charity and work in the local community.
We will work with you as parents/carers to make referrals for support via the West Northumberland multi-agency HUB to
ensure the appropriate help is provided.
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) supports teaching and learning within the school by offering access to a range of
relevant printed and electronic resources. The LRC encourages the development of independent learning as well as
promoting reading for pleasure.
All students at QEHS can use the LRC. Sixth Form students can use it in their study periods. Students in Years 9, 10 and
11 may use the LRC before and after school and during break and lunchtime as well as in class with their teachers or
individually with permission from their teacher. All students receive an induction into the LRC at the beginning of Year 9.
There are approximately six thousand books in the LRC. These are divided into fiction and non-fiction. The fiction books
are shelved in alphabetical order of author’s surname and the non-fiction books are arranged in subject order using the
Dewey Decimal Classification system. The LRC also has a fully stocked shop with stationery items students may need.
These can be purchased with cash or by card.
Students are actively encouraged to borrow books from the LRC. There is an array of age-appropriate texts and
recommended reads. Students in Year 9 will visit the library during form time and students are encouraged to use the
space for quiet reading and study. The LRC also has a fully stocked shop with stationery items students may need. These
can be purchased with cash, by card or with P points.
There are a number of PCs in the LRC which are available to book. Year 9, 10 and 11 students may book a computer before
school, during lunch and after school. There is a black and white printer, a colour printer and a photocopier in the LRC.
The LRC welcomes student volunteers and anyone who is interested should speak to the library assistant, Carole Brown.
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Careers Advice
The school is committed to providing students with appropriate careers information, advice and guidance. We recognise
and celebrate the wide variety of opportunities available to students after school. The LRC has a careers section which
holds information on opportunities for employment, training, further and higher education. We provide independent
careers advice to support students with progression, college applications, work-based training and apprenticeship
opportunities. They will work primarily with Year 11 and Year 13 students and will contribute to the careers aspect of the
PSHE programme. All Year 11 students considering leaving school will automatically receive a careers meeting.
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Other Information
Road Safety
Whetstone Bridge Road and Allendale Road can become very congested at the start and the end of the school day. Help
us to ensure the safety of students entering and leaving school by dropping off or collecting your son/daughter a short
distance from school. Please note that additional restrictions to parking and speed on Whetstone Bridge Road have been
put in place by Northumberland County Council, and this area is regularly patrolled by traffic wardens.
QEHS and Hexham Middle School are in a Multi-Academy Trust: Hadrian Learning Trust. Both schools are led by Graeme
Atkins, Executive Headteacher. There is one Trust Board for both schools.
Policies
Many of the school policies are available on the QEHS website https://www.qehs.net/policies/
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Notes
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