Hillside Avenue Highlights

Dear Parents and carers,

Now that we are a few weeks into the school year we can clearly see the things in school that are working really well. The children have settled into their new classes really quickly and learning started straight away. The new carpets, rugs and furniture through the school has really given our learning spaces a lift and the overall atmosphere in the building is calm and purposeful.  The new ‘Orchard Class’ has made a great start to the year with children making good progress and routines being established whilst the ‘Basecamp’ wrap around provision is often fully booked and is even expanding out to include a holiday club in October. 

A big driver of the successes that we have seen in school over the last couple of years has been the result of a continual drive towards greater consistency. This week I have spoken with adults and children to hear their views about the areas of school life that need a bit more clarification as it is often uncertainty and variability that leads to confusion and maybe even upset. These are the topics that were raised:

• Squishies / toys / key chains etc:  There is no need to bring these into school. If they get broken or lost then children tend to get upset. (Some children with SEND have individual plans in this area.)
• Bracelets / jewellery / make-up etc:  These are best enjoyed at the weekend and during school holidays. Stud earrings are OK and so are (non-smart) watches. 
• Waterbottles:  Named please and only water inside. 
• Snacks:  Younger children get fruit at school, older children still enjoy a snack though, the healthier the better. 
• PE kits:  Our approach to uniform is very inclusive, but does not include wearing football kits. Save these for non-uniform days please.
• Parking:  There are solid lines to prevent parking close to the school, this is to keep our children safe. Thank you to all parents who park a little further away and walk. 

If any further clarification is required, please let me know.

Mr Hutchinson

 

From the school log:

30th September 1997: Friends of Hillside A.G.M. Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary were elected. The A.G.M. of the current Friends of Hillside Avenue is coming up in the diary soon. They are always looking for more parents who are willing and able to contribute some effort and time through committee meetings, discos, bingo nights and of course, Hillfest!. Each year the Friends contribute to a wide range of additional activities and experiences that really make a difference to the children of the school. I am sure that they would welcome any new volunteers! 

 

Notifications/ Reminders:

 

Allergy aware school - a reminder we are an allergy aware school, so if families could  be mindful of not adding nut products to their child’s home pack lunch, this also includes nut based spreads like Nutella.  We also ask that children do not share their food with other children. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Macmillan Coffee Fundraising - we look forward to seeing as many parents as possible on Friday 25th September.  Please check class Dojo/Tapestry for individual class times. Donations to be made online only as we are a cashless school.  There will be QR codes to use in class.

 

Harvest Festival - on Monday 28th September Fr James will be joining us for our school assembly to talk about Harvest Festival.  As per previous years we will be supporting Norwich Foodbank and asking if children can bring in a tin of food or other dry packet food like cereal or pasta.  

If you would like more information on Norwich Foodbank or know a neighbour or family who could benefit from the scheme please click here Norwich Foodbank Website for more information.

 

Smith’s Shelves - (new book newsletter) see attached 

‘’I thought I’d start sending these this year as a way to communicate book recommendations for different year groups. Hopefully, this will help your children find something new to read or something to rediscover together as a family. Happy reading!’’ 

Mrs Smith year 5 teacher 

 

Hillside Avenue Highlights

 

Dear Parents and carers,
Welcome back!
I hope that you all had a lovely summer holiday, resting, relaxing and doing nice things in the sunshine. In some ways it has been nice to have a little rain over the last week, the gardens are certainly grateful for it.
In school we have been very busy developing new provisions, refining systems and doing everything that we can to make the return to school as smooth as possible for all children and families. The signs are good as when I have walked the school in the mornings, the children have been settled in class and focused on learning. The school really is a calm and purposeful place where
all children are experiencing success - it is lovely to see.
Our two new provisions are the breakfast and after school club - known as Basecamp - and the Enhanced SEND Provision which is called The Orchard.
The children in The Orchard are settling in nicely, doing work and playing together and are really thriving. The Basecamp is the place where the children get ready for the day and then rest and relax after a day at school.
Places can be booked through Arbor up to the night before and are proving to be the hottest ticket in town! We are delighted that it has been so well supported in its first week of life.
A massive thank you to all of the staff who have been involved in the creation of both of these provisions, it has been a lot of work and has made a massive impact on the day to day life of children in the school.
#itshappeningathillside
Mr Hutchinson

 

Notifications/ Reminders:
Website - The following policies can be found on our website along with other trust policies.
Hillside Safeguarding Practice
Hillside SEND Information Report 2026
BHET Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Entrance and Exits to school : Please be reminded the gate at the back of the field is open
from 7:30am daily and is locked at 9am. It reopens at 3pm in time for the end of the school
day and remains open for after school activities and gets locked approx 6pm for the evening.

 

Parking - we ask all parents to be considerate to our neighbours and not to park/ obstruct
driveways. The Indian restaurant kindly allows parents to park there at the beginning and the
end of the day to alleviate congestion towards the school.

Dogs - a polite reminder to not bring dogs on to the school grounds. Please wait outside the
school entrances.

Data Check - Please check all personal details including emergency contact numbers are
correct on Arbor. Please let the office know if there are any changes to be made.

Medical/Dietary Changes - if there have been any medical or dietary changes over the
summer, please let the office know. If your child uses an inhaler, please ensure you have
completed the form from the office before handing over the medication.

School Uniform - Shop is now open via Arbor

Music Lessons, Payments etc - You would have already received an email with the start
date of the music lessons. Payments for those lessons will be set up on Arbor shortly and you
will be emailed when that is done and payment can be made. Thank you to those parents who
have emailed the office to say they would like to put their child on the waiting list, Mrs Gant will
reply to you shortly.

 

School meals - A reminder that parents must order their child's lunch via Arbor before the cut
off time of 9am. Please note from Monday 14th September Aspens have increased the price
of the school meal to £2.66.

Free School Meals - NCC has expanded the criteria to claim free school meals.
Have your family circumstances changed? Not sure If you are eligible for free school meals? 
Want to find more information on the changes being made to FSM in September 2026? 
You can find further information and apply via Norfolk County Council website
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/38166 or email fsm@norfolk.gov.uk
(paper copies of the NCC application form are also available from the school office)

 

 

Dates for the Diary
September 2026
Thurs 3rd - Term starts back
Fri 25th - Macmillan coffee morning (details to follow)

October 2026
Tues 6th - Open Day 9:30-10:30
Thurs 15th - Open Day 1-2pm & 5-6pm
Mon 19th - Fri 30th Half term holiday

 

 

Kids; support parent carers with children with additional needs and disabilities - please see links for
community events this term.
Coffee & Connect
Autumn Workshops
Dad time

Family Voice - please click here for August 2026 Newsletter

Mini Athletics Norwich - new session starting @Dussindale Community Centre. Click here for further details.

Norwich Cathedral Children’s Choir - Yrs 2-6 are invited to be a Chorister for the day on Saturday 10th October. Please click here for further details.