6th September 2021

Dear Parents / Guardians

I am delighted to share with you the Ofsted report from our visit in June. We are extremely pleased with this report and feel it is an accurate reflection of everything we are doing as a school. As you will see Hillside is no longer in a category of concern. The full inspection resulted in us achieving Good for Leadership & Management and Personal Development, which we are delighted about.

In terms of Behaviour and Attitudes the inspectors saw exemplary behaviour and conduct from our pupils, both in lessons and at social times. Unfortunately attendance is a limiting factor in this judgement and as a school we have struggled to regain the momentum we had prior to the pandemic in terms of attendance. I would remind all parents of the need for children to attend school every day to ensure our pupils fulfil their academic potential and benefit from all the amazing opportunities on offer at Hillside.

We were delighted that all our hard work on curriculum was recognised. The report states ‘Leaders have taken the right actions to ensure that all pupils have access to an appropriate curriculum.’ What is evident, as I’m sure it is in all schools, is that we now need time for this curriculum to be firmly embedded and ensure consistency across the school. This has been challenging as a result of the pandemic, but gives a clear focus for our work this year.

There are so many quotes in the report I am extremely proud of, including ‘Leaders are aspirational for all pupils at this school’ and the opening paragraph which states ‘This is a caring school where pupils respect each other. Pupils are accepting of each other’s differences. Pupils appreciate they can celebrate diversity in all aspects of school life. They feel happy and safe at school. Pupils said that staff do not tolerate any form of bullying or derogatory behaviour.’ As Principal of Hillside these comments make me extremely proud. Also as parents I hope they reassure you that your decision to send your child to Hillside was the right decision.

This report is just a step in our journey and we remain unwavering in our desire to get Hillside to ‘Good’ in terms of Ofsted judgements.
On behalf of all of the team at Hillside I would thank you for everything you do to support your child and our school to achieve these amazing things.
If you would like to discuss anything relating to the Ofsted report do no hesitate to contact me or any member of the Leadership Team here at Hillside.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Ryan

Principal

Link to report:

hillside_ofsted_report_june_2021.pdf