Hillside Specialist School and College

Hillside Specialist School is a Specialist School for Communication and Interaction in Lancashire for students aged three to nineteen years with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pupils take part in a wide ranging personalised curriculum. At Hillside Specialist School we have built an eclectic approach to pupils learning, taking into account current theories and methods of teaching. All of our pupils display significant difficulties within the ‘Triad of Impairment’ that is at the heart of the autism. A child’s difficulties in language and communication, social relationships, and rigid patterns of behaviour/thought/interests form major barriers to learning. Our role is to help our pupils to come to terms with, and overcome, these difficulties.

Our School Aims

Remove/reduce a child’s barriers to learning
Assist children to develop effective systems of communication and social interaction
Develop a child’s ability to adapt to, and accommodate change
Encourage children to positively manage their own behaviour and difficulties
Provide a broad and balanced curriculum that meets each child’s needs, including access to the National Curriculum
Provide an environment that fosters care and control of pupils to enhance learning opportunities
Provide inclusive and transfer opportunities as part of the continuum of education provision
Work in partnership with parents/carers and other professionals