Castle Hill Blog 19/12/25

Well 'here it is' the end of term and what a blast it has been! Busy? Absolutely! Just how we like it. Make yourself a warm drink and cosy up to hear what has been happening at Castle Hill this week...

Autism Accreditation

Staff have worked exceptionally hard, drawing on their skills, knowledge and experience to provide high‑quality support across every area of the school. Their commitment has been especially evident throughout our autism accreditation journey, where they have demonstrated a deep understanding of best practice and a genuine dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all pupils.

A special mention goes to Caroline Theobald, who has worked tirelessly to deliver outstanding bespoke training for all staff. Her expertise has been instrumental in ensuring everyone feels confident, consistent and clear in their approach, enabling us to meet the rigorous standards required for autism accreditation and to provide the very best experience for our pupils.

Key-Fob Designs

Look at these fabulous key-fob designs! The colours, smooth edges and personalised touches make them stand out beautifully. You can really see the care and imagination that’s gone into every detail.

Storytime

When the weather turns bleak, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and letting your imagination slip away on a magical journey to another world. The joy becomes even greater when a story is shared; a moment of connection and comfort.

Pantomime...Oh no it isn't...Oh yes it is!

The hall roof was raised with excitement, laughter and merriment when the pantomime performed by NK theatre paid us a visit in school for a rip-roaring performance of Rapunzel.

Christmas Dinner

Gaming Reward

Video games sometimes get a bad reputation, but used and played in the right way they can be a fun inclusive way to bring people together.

Nintendo in particular, produces games that can be played socially in the same room and often include features that enable visually and physically impaired people to play along.

Playing together in the same room in competition or cooperatively helps build necessary social skills for some of our pupils; it can help with teamwork, negotiation, empathy, self awareness and amiable conflict resolution. Playing and communicating socially with friends in this way helps promote positive mental health as well.

As a school we run a Nintendo Club after school on a Monday and Tuesday to help bring pupils together, we also offer this as a reward on the final day of term.

Mario Kart 8 is a school favourite and here you can see pupils in sixth form enjoying a game together, one of these pupils is visually impaired and this image really captures the spirit with which these games are played. The second picture is of some of the pupils that have enjoyed their well earned gaming rewards this morning!

Staffing Update:

Our beloved Julie Jones who was the founder and lead of our incredible 6th form provision after many...many years of hard work, kindness and inspirational success is retiring. However, she's not putting her feet up just yet she will be taking more of a front seat role in running her beautiful pottery business situated on the Brookside garden centre site. Alongside this, she will be taking care of her delightful grandchildren. We wish her joy in all that she does!

We are however, very lucky to have Abbie Nicholas taking over the reigns in 6th form who brings significant skills and expertise. Abbie will continue to oversee KS4 SEND as well as all of the Year 11 and 6th form EHCPs. Debbie McGuiness who also brings a wealth of knowledge and skill will be the main contact for any Year 9 and 10 EHCP queries.

Coming to Castle Hill....Save the date!

Looking Ahead...Dates for the Diary:

And Finally...

Our friends at the Egerton Arms provided every single child with a selection box, we would like to say a massive heartfelt thank you!

Merry Christmas!