Group sizes are dependent on the needs of the learners. Some groups will include as little as three learners, but our maximum group size is 7 young people. These small groups ensure all students have access to Hopefields staff on a maximum 1:3 basis.
Yes, we do. Hopefields fully resource the project and school, there are no hidden costs for schools, parents or carers. Specialist equipment, stationery and all activities are included. We do ask that young people bring sturdy boots and/or wellies and warm clothing to the sessions with animals, but again, we can provide these items if necessary. All transportation to and from locations during the educational day is provided in our Hopefields minibus.
Lunch and snacks including juice/water are also included in our school day.
The annual cost of a young person attending Hopefields starts at £24,350, which is for an alternative provision placement. This cost increases depending on learner need/1:1 support/EHC Plan etc. This covers the full use of specialist equipment, all learning materials, exam board entry and the accreditation certification. We do not charge an additional premium for out of area referral, as we believe all young people have a right to quality first teaching and education provision, wherever they reside in the Tees Valley or neighbouring authorities.
Please contact us for further information on pricing at referral stage.
Our fees for day students who come to us through the Local Authority and who have an EHCP differ on a sliding scale. Costings are provided upon request.
Both lunch and snacks are provided for learners, as are hot drinks and water, alongside snacks such as fruit and crackers. Lunch consists of a hot meal or sandwich, with a side salad, and healthy accompaniments. We cater for all dietary requirements. Energy and fizzy drinks and sweets are not permitted on site.
Hopefields is based at Riverside Park, Middlesbrough, in the Tees Valley. We are proud to serve the young people and the communities in the area. We work with young people across the Tees Valley, and also from North Yorkshire, Durham and within the North East. Our farmland is located near Billingham, Stockton on Tees.
Transportation is provided and arranged where necessary with the host referrer. We can assist you with this, utilising our Hopefields minibus. Contact us to confirm locations and prices.
Termly reports (with accompanying images and incorporating the voice of the young person) are written by the teaching staff and young people, then collated by the Directors, using logged information and verbal testimonials from all staff. The reports are then shared to host school staff and care givers periodically. Our communication is second to none. We are always at the end of the phone/text message/email and aim to resolve queries within the next working day.
Yes, Hopefields are fully insured above Government and Local Authority limits. Our insurance certificate is displayed in our centre and is available for your peace of mind. All staff are enhanced DBS checked and registered on the update service, whilst all documentation is held on the Single Central Record. Staff sign a confidentiality agreement, within which they also agree to abide by the requirements laid out in our Data Management policy. Our policies are reviewed and updated regularly, in advance of continuing professional development and training for all staff. All staff are Safeguarding and Team Teach trained.
No. Staff have access to a mobile phone for emergency purposes as we teach across the community and off site, but mobile phones will not be visible at Hopefields during teaching/contact time. Young people can bring a mobile phone to Hopefields, but upon entering the building the phone will be placed in a locked cabinet, and returned at the end of the day. These measures are to keep all young people safe and promote conversation and a learning ethos.
By their first names.
Yes. Uniform consists of a grey sweatshirt jumper with the school logo on the left chest. A white or black polo shirt or T-Shirt with no branding visible or with the school logo will also be worn with an own choice of trousers and shoes.
No open-toed sandals/sliders may be worn. Ripped denim is not permitted for health and safety reasons. Trainers and leggings or tracksuit bottoms are considered suitable clothing for the school day.