Hillside School is an inclusive community that provides 52-week residential care and education for young people aged 8-19 who have complex and/or additional support needs relating to: adversity and developmental trauma, attachment issues, neurodiversity, including ADHD and Autism and learning disability.
We have a skilled and diverse staff group, comprising residential care staff, teachers, learning support assistants, therapists, houseparents, and grounds and domestic staff. Our staff build and sustain relationships with all of our young people, encouraging them to be successful learners, responsible citizens, confident individuals and effective contributors. Our adults are nurturing and compassionate; they ensure dignity and respect for all, and are attuned, responsive, curious and optimistic.
Our high-quality and therapeutic environment is situated in a large private rural estate in the beautiful village of Aberdour in Fife, on the east coast of Scotland. It is well situated for road and rail links, and is twenty minutes from Edinburgh International airport and thirty minutes from Edinburgh Waverly train station.
Our young people live in one of our four on-site houses and attend our education provision, mainstream education, college or employment. We welcome placement referrals from, and discussions with, local authorities in Scotland and across the UK.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION
Young people are encouraged to share their views and take an active role in shaping daily life at Hillside through regular meetings, key worker sessions and participation opportunities.
We are committed to upholding children’s rights and ensuring young people are listened to, respected and involved in decisions affecting their lives.
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do!
What young people say
“Hillside helped me turn my life around. I feel safer, more settled and much more positive about my future.” Young person S
“When I first came to Hillside, I struggled with my emotions and behaviour. The support and relationships I’ve built here have helped me feel calmer, more confident and better able to cope.” Young person G
What parents say
“The care, understanding and support shown by staff has made an enormous difference to our child and our family. We’ve seen them grow in confidence, feel safer and begin to enjoy life again.”– Parent A
What the team say
“I look at my role as helping children and young people find their footing again. Together, we look at their wellbeing, celebrate their strengths, and build a strong network of care around them so they continue to grow safely and reach their full potential.”— Wellbeing Co-ordinator
OUR VALUES
At Hillside we believe every young person should:
· Feel safe and cared for
· Experience positive relationships
· Be respected and listened to
· Have opportunities to achieve
· Develop independence and confidence
· Feel a sense of belonging and community
· Be supported to realise their potential
Our approach is informed by The Promise, ensuring young people experience relationships, care and support that help them feel safe, valued and loved
