Headteacher's Welcome

Welcome to Hazel Oak school. We are an inclusive special school, supporting a broad range of learners in a diverse and caring community, including, Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs. We aspire to achieve equity for all, embracing and celebrating the differences that pupils, staff, families and visitors represent. This is reflected in our vision statement:

“Having fun, discovering our place in the world, building relationships and overcoming challenges. Learning about life beyond the classroom to shape a successful future”

It is our shared aim to prepare our young people for their lives beyond school, as respectful citizens in an ever-changing world, supporting them along the way to challenge discrimination and inequality. Through restorative and philosophical work, we support pupils and families to achieve the best we can for each pupil, as a community. We want all Hazel Oak pupils to embrace their individuality and grow towards success beyond school. Not just preparing young people for the wider world, but developing their ability to affect change towards it.

“Equality is leaving the door open for anyone who has the means to approach it; equity is ensuring there is a pathway to that door for those who need it.”

– Caroline Belden (Writer, ‘The Inclusion Solution’)

We support our youngest learners from reception age, through key stages 1 to 4 at our main school site in Shirley, with our Post 16 provision included in the Solihull College campus at Blossomfield road, where students work with Hazel Oak staff and have opportunities to work and move beyond into the main college.

Teaching and learning follows the national curriculum, sequenced and delivered in a bespoke way to achieve the life ready goals our students need to succeed in the world. Academic studies are woven with practical, experiential, and work related opportunities to deliver cultural capital and wider global awareness. We review our offer annually to ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of our community.

We are a philosophical community, offering philosophy for children (P4C), which supports individuality, self-esteem and a sense of self. Our ethos co-produces solutions to conflict and challenge, keeping an open mind to meet other perspectives.

Our 5 shared values are at the core of our ethos, building respect, creativity, growth, wellbeing and community into all we do.

• We respect each other, our environment, the views and beliefs of others.
• We approach challenges with creativity to explore self expression.
• We face problems with a growth mindset and seek pupil centred steps to individualised success.
• We prioritise physical and mental wellbeing for a healthier, happier lifestyle.
• We forge close connections as a community in and beyond school.

To be a valued part of the world, we know our pupils need to be proud and confident in themselves, and to challenge and be curious about the world around them, with resilience. We are proud of our school, and welcome all young people, parents and carers as part of the Hazel Oak Family. We look forward to meeting you soon.