Sandringham House provides dedicated education for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils who are unable to attend their usual school due to complex medical needs. Our primary aim is to create a safe and supportive school environment that offers high-quality education and enrichment opportunities. This enables pupils to build on their knowledge and skills, facilitating their recovery and preparing them for future educational, employment, or training pathways.
At Sandringham House, each pupil is assigned a dedicated tutor to address their academic and personal needs both in the classroom and throughout the school day. We recognie that our pupils face unique challenges that can significantly impact their development. To ensure a smooth school experience, we maintain a high staff-to-pupil ratio, providing consistent support throughout the day.
Our teaching groups are small, and pupil timetables are flexible. Some pupils may attend for only a few hours, while others may follow a full timetable. Additionally, some pupils may split their time between River Tees Hospital School and their home school, depending on their individual programmes of study.
Assessment
At River Tees Hospital School, we implement a comprehensive assessment process for all pupils upon their arrival. This process is crucial for understanding the unique needs of each pupil, particularly given the high percentage of vulnerable pupils within our community.
Identifying Individual Needs: We assess each pupil to identify their specific academic and personal development needs. This helps us remove barriers to learning and implement effective strategies for support.
Guided by Health Professionals: Our ambitious curriculum is informed by insights from health professionals, ensuring that the challenges we present are appropriate and beneficial for each pupil’s recovery and growth.
Initial Assessment: Upon entry, pupils undergo a series of assessments to gauge their current abilities and needs.
Target Setting: Following the initial assessment, we set tailored targets to create a personalised learning and support programme.
Assessment Framework: Our assessment framework ensures that every pupil receives the tailored support they need to thrive academically and personally. Through this process, we aim to empower our pupils to achieve their full potential.
Academic Assessments
- GL Academic Assessments in Reading Age, Spelling & Comprehension
- Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Screener
- DASH (Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting)
- Assessments in Maths, English and Science
Personal Development Assessments
- Family Tree (Intervention Identification)
- PASS Assessment (Pupils Attitude to Self and School)
Inclusive Curriculum
At Sandringham House, our curriculum is intentionally designed to meet the needs of pupils who are unable to access mainstream education due to complex medical needs. We are committed to providing an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that aligns with the National Curriculum, ensuring that every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our curriculum aims to inspire and motivate pupils to reach their full potential. We set high expectations for all pupils, focusing on developing essential skills, knowledge, and understanding across all subjects. By providing a broad and balanced curriculum, we ensure that pupils engage with a variety of learning experiences that foster curiosity and a love for learning.
We recognise that education is not solely about academic achievement; it is also about nurturing character and wellbeing. Our curriculum promotes the development of resilience, confidence, and social skills, preparing pupils for their future lives. We aim to cultivate a supportive environment where pupils can express themselves, build relationships, and develop a sense of belonging.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by our pupils, we provide personalised support to ensure that each pupil can access the curriculum effectively. Our teaching approaches are flexible and adaptive, allowing us to meet individual needs and learning styles. We emphasise the importance of continuous assessment and feedback to help pupils progress and overcome any barriers to learning.
Our curriculum integrates core skills such as literacy and numeracy across all subjects, ensuring that pupils develop strong foundational knowledge. We employ systematic phonics instruction and reading strategies that enhance comprehension and fluency, enabling pupils to engage with increasingly complex texts. Writing is taught across various genres and purposes, encouraging pupils to express their ideas creatively and effectively.
We aim to connect learning to real-world contexts, helping pupils understand the relevance of their studies. Through projects, community engagement, and collaborative activities, we foster a sense of responsibility and awareness of their impact on the world around them.
Our curriculum prepares pupils for successful transitions back to mainstream education or other post-16 pathways. We equip them with the skills and qualifications necessary for future opportunities, ensuring they are ready to navigate their educational journeys with confidence.
