The Classroom
The structure of attending school and education is seen as an essential and important part of the programme.
Three full-time teachers, one part-time teacher and three visiting specialists staff the classroom at Simmons House. They are employed by the London Borough of Haringey Children and Young People's Service. In common with psychiatric adolescent units in England and Wales, the local Children's Service in which the unit is based takes responsibility for the recruitment, management and training of teaching staff.
Simmons House teaching staff are part of a larger provision with the Haringey Children and Young People's Service: Haringey Learning Partnership, based in Wood Green, London N22 8DZ.
Ofsted inspected Haringey Learning Partnership (then known as Haringey Tuition Centre) together with the classroom at Simmons House in April 2018. The report can be viewed on the Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.
The report notes that 'the quality of education at Simmons House continues to be outstanding.'
Lessons begin at 10.00 am each morning when pupils are collected from the unit sitting room by teaching staff and escorted to the classroom.
The first lesson finishes at 10.45 and the group return to the sitting room for a break and refreshments. Second lesson begins at 11.00 and ends at 11.45.
Curriculum FAQs
What will I be learning?
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We teach a broad range of subjects to an individualised curriculum. We aim to provide whatever is best for our students; from English and Maths to Geology and Driving Theory. You will be made aware of your learning choices, and we will try to accommodate any particular interests you have.
There is a strong arts programme and many of our students learn a new instrument or experiment with new arts or craft skills.
Will I be able to do my exams?
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Yes. As a registered exam centre we can both enter you for national qualifications and host exams if you are also on roll with a school or college during your admission. In addition we will support and challenge you to sit further qualifications to reflect both the rapid progress you will make and perhaps the increased breadth of your interests during your treatment.
In 2023 our students studied in preparation for a variety of exams including GCSE’s, A-Levels, BTEC, Entry Level Certificates, Functional Skills, Trinity College Arts Awards and AQA Unit Awards.
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Will I be doing the same as the rest of the class?
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You will be in a mixed age and ability classroom and will have an individual curriculum that is suited to your level, so each student will often be doing different work from each other. If there is an opportunity to work with other students on any group work or projects, we will encourage this if we think it would be useful and if you are comfortable with it.
There are two classrooms here at Simmons House. The main classroom is generally busier and more suitable for group work. The other classroom is smaller and quieter, which some students find more comfortable to work in.
Can I continue at my local school?
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We will make contact with your school and, if it is useful, we will continue with school-work from them.
You may also be partially re-integrated back into your school to receive tuition if this will be beneficial for you.
What happens after my stay?
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Prior to discharge from Simmons House plans will be put in place for you to re-integrate back to your school, access a college place, start at a new school, alternative education placement or training provision.
This transition will be carefully planned and managed, and will vary for each student. It may involve a gradual integration to the new provision to get you accustomed to it.
Trips & Projects
Work Experience
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Where appropriate we endeavour to facilitate work placements for young people. We have forged good relationships with several charity shops in the area, as well as a local book shop. Most recently one of our young people has been taking part in work experience sessions at James Smith & Sons, a 193 year old umbrella shop on Tottenham Court Rd.
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Haringey Library Service
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We liaise with the Haringey Library Service who bring a selection of books each month. The library can provide books to cater to a range of interests and reading levels or on a selected theme
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Local Garden Expert
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We appreciate regular visits from a local gardener who helps guide us on the use of our allotment. The allotment includes vegetables, herbs, flowers and a sensory garden. Vegetables and herbs are used in our weekly cooking sessions. Young people participate in planning, planting, maintenance and harvesting and benefit hugely from the encouragement and knowledge of our local expert.
if desired.
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The Flying Seagull Project
In 2023 we held a 8 week project with The Flying Seagull Project - a team of trained clowns, musicians and entertainers that create safe environments for play and laughter in challenging situations in the UK around the world. Students gained an AQA certificate in circus skills and gained confidence in performance and learning new skills. We are aiming to introduce this as part of our yearly programme.
Special Guests
We regularly have visitors from a variety of walks of life. We have had a Marvel film costumier, TV scientist, professional basketball player, celebrity entrepreneur, musician and an animator and we plan to have many more interesting visitors in the future.
Pets As Therapy
Twice a week we have a friendly, furry visitor from Pets As Therapy. The dogs’ visits give young people an opportunity to show caring and kindness and the owners encourage young people to interact socially around a safe topic of discussion. We are currently developing a programme whereby young people can take a dog out for walks in the local area.
Film Club
The Into Film programme offers screenings, Q&As and curriculum-linked educational resources. In the 2023 Into Film Festival we arranged to see the following films at a variety of local cinemas including - 'Are you there God, it's me Margret?', 'The Hunger Games - The Ballads of Song Birds and Snakes' and 'Goodbye Donglees'. These films tied into our PSHE, Art History and Life Skills curriculum.
GMT Boxing Workshop
GMT Boxing are a boxing club based in Hackney, that are passionate about boosting community wellness. GMT Boxing are hosting a series of boxing workshops aimed at promoting healthy physical activity habits, cultivating resilience, promoting stress reduction, enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem and applying emotional regulation strategies. The young people are learning the primary boxing skills and are exploring what boxing gyms may be available to them in their local areas.
Key Information about Policies and Safeguarding
As part of Haringey Learning Partnership, the classroom at Simmons House shares the policy and governance structure of HLP.
For example, here is the HLP safeguarding policy under which the classroom at Simmons House sits. Please click here to see all of HLP's Policies.
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As part of Simmons House Adolescent Unit, the classroom at Simmons House shares the unit protocols. The unit protocols are informed by the Whittington Trust Policies.
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For example, here is the Simmons House Safeguarding Protocol under which the classroom at Simmons House also sits.
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