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LVS Pa tr o n HM Th e Queen
Hassocks West Sussex
A unique, positive education for young people on the autism spectrum
Our experience shows that students, parents and supporting local authorities value our specialist care and innovative approach to helping young people reach their full potential.
individual focused
Welcome to LVS Hassocks
Patron HM The Queen
LVS
Our approach is focused on educational achievement and building life skills to give young people a greater chance of living more independently when they leave at 19 years old. Our experience shows that students, parents and supporting local authorities value our specialist care and innovative approach to helping young people reach their full potential. Finding the right school for a child with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum can be a daunting and complex process for parents and for local authorities placing the child. At LVS Hassocks we have the experience and knowledge to make that process easier. Whilst we have a criteria and policy for admissions, we also recommend you contact us to discuss the individual's needs.
Hassocks West Sussex
“My drive is for young people with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum to succeed academically and to gain skills for employment and independent living so that they become contributing members of their community.” Sarah Sherwood Director of Special Educational Needs
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social and emotional wellbeing LVS Hassocks is a friendly, supportive environment where learner attendance is high and mutual respect thrives An individual-centred approach Our person centred approach helps young people make sense of their experiences, connecting their learning so that they can overcome the challenges associated with autism, Asperger’s and associated difficulties. We help learners to develop strategies for success in all areas of their life. Our schools recognise the unique attributes and skills in every individual and we focus on: Whole Health Learning (ensuring physical and mental health and the stamina to sustain work) Connected Learning (providing concrete learning opportunities that make sense) Real World Learning (providing opportunities to take embedded skills into the workplace and community)
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Across our secondary classes, we have an average attendance rate of
92%
Supported by excellent pastoral care, at LVS Hassocks we encourage independence, wellbeing and a healthy lifestyle with a focus on life skills outside of the classroom in a safe and secure environment.
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There are on-site speech, language and occupational therapists, dedicated chefs and practical instructors delivering the vocational skills to help learners develop as individuals.
Our balanced approach means learners enjoy their time at school and this is indicated by our impressive attendance rates.
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When I go horse riding it makes me more confident.”
LVS Hassocks has changed our son's life so much for the better. Even when he has a blip it is resolved and managed so well.”
Learners can enjoy a wide range of co-curricular activities including: • Horticulture • Life skills • Lego / Construction club • Duke of Edinburgh • ICT • Football
• Pool club • Art club • Drama • Horse Riding • Work Experience
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academic progress Learners follow an academic programme and they are encouraged to take exams Accredited Qualifications For young people who experience difficulties in accessing learning At LVS Hassocks young people learn a range of relevant academic and vocational skills in a vibrant and stimulating environment.
Our approach is working Supported by their teachers, the ongoing assessment can lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
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• A-LEVEL: English and Maths • GCSE: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Art, Geography, ICT • BTEC: ICT, PE, Business, Catering • NVQ: Catering, Horticulture, Animal Care • ENTRY LEVEL: English, Maths and Science • FUNCTIONAL SKILLS • ASDAN
of learners made 3 100% points or more progress in English
of learners made 3 100% points or more progress in Maths over
over one academic year
one academic year RESULTS 2016 MATHS
100% OF LEARNERS PASSED, ALL WITH A* - E GRADES
ENGLISH LITERATURE 100% OF LEARNERS PASSED, ALL WITH A* - E GRADES ENGLISH LANGUAGE
100% OF LEARNERS PASSED, 91%WITH A* - E GRADES
ICT
100% OF LEARNERS PASSED, ALL WITH A* - E GRADES
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I have improved staying in class at LVS Hassocks. I used to run away and not go to lessons but now I stay in them for the whole time.”
Living Accommodation The spacious and comfortable rooms at LVS Hassocks help our learners feel safe and secure in their surroundings. Everyone is encouraged to personalise their rooms and to make the space their own. Older learners especially are encouraged to develop their independent living skills. They are given the responsibility for doing many day-to-day tasks, from cleaning their bedrooms and doing their own washing, to planning and preparing the group evening meal. As part of our Supported Independence Programme, residential learners are encouraged to live as independently as possible, with help and guidance from residential staff whenever they need it.
independent living We believe that learning to look after yourself is key to leading a fulfilled and independent life
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A Structured Day For some, the residential aspect of school life with its structured routine and programme of activities can be difficult to adjust to, especially when they first join us. To develop a learner’s confidence and to help them take control of their daily life, everyone has a visual schedule to help them focus on their tasks, whether it be tidying their bedroom or getting ready for school. This easy-to-use tool also shows learners when they have their dedicated down times and a chance to do their own thing - which can be anything from playing on the Xbox, watching TV, listening to music or reading. Residential staff play a key role in working with the older individuals in the 14 plus group to further develop their independent living skills.
Many of the tasks students undertake will help build competencies in citizenship, relating to others, managing situations and working as part of a team - all key to being fulfilled and employable adults.
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Whole Health Learning Whole Health Learning provides learners with the skills and embedded knowledge to be physically and mentally healthy and have the stamina to sustain work. The programme focuses on:
• Healthy eating, with an emphasis on fresh produce and a balanced diet. We recognise that some young people will require modified diets. •
Expanding the range of foods, particularly working with parents/carers of those who have developed a restricted diet as a result of sensory or health difficulties.
• Opportunities for individuals to benefit from relaxation and anxiety reduction strategies through the guidance of specialist consultants. •
Working with learners to compile exercise programmes to ensure regular movement breaks throughout the school day, with periods of focused physical exertion to assist them in maintaining a healthy body.
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Providing strategies for managing times of increased anxiety through our massage and relaxation programme and incorporating them as part of a toolkit for learning to help support personal learning style.
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Movement sessions to increase body and spatial awareness and to develop trust and the ability to work as a key member of a group.
Connected Learning The underpinning framework supporting our curriculum enables young people to be in charge of their learning, in control of their feelings and emotions, and responsible for their actions. Connected Learning creates connections in learning to everyday tasks. There is an emphasis on emotional and physical wellbeing, and support in finding strategies to manage and support anxiety. There are five interrelated stages of the approach we use. We call this PLANS.
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P
PEOPLE PLANS
Address social communication and interaction and Speech & Language therapy interventions
L
LEARNING PLANS
address generalising learning across environments, rules and responsibilities and working to someone else’s agenda
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ACTION PLANS
include personal support plans, anxiety reduction plans and Occupational Therapy intervention
N S
NEXT STEPS
include learning objectives, targets & transitions
SELF BELIEF
improving self-esteem
individual focused
Care and Therapy A high staff to child ratio ensures every young person will live and learn in a safe and comfortable environment. Our therapists offer a blended approach including working in class, delivering therapy to targeted groups and providing specialist 1:1 interventions when required. The school also has a speech and language room and an occupational therapy room with specialist staff to provide support on a daily basis.
Healthy Eating Our enthusiastic chefs establish a good rapport with learners, encouraging them to expand the range of foods they eat. The kitchen garden and resident egg-laying chickens at LVS Hassocks also inspire young people to find out more about fresh produce and a balanced diet. Our aim is for everyone to see that healthy eating is essential for wellbeing.
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Current research shows that only 15%* of adults with an autism spectrum diagnosis are in sustained, full-time employment and we are passionate about improving that statistic. *http://www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/content/617513/understanding_autism/an_introduction_to_autism/faqs/
Real World Learning We recognise that one of the biggest concerns is what will happen when a young person with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum leaves school at 19. The aim of Real World Learning is to prepare our learners for life and the workplace, so when they come to leave us they have the skills and knowledge to get a job and sustain work. Everyone is given the opportunity to engage in work-based training either on site (working in the grounds and kitchens for example) or off site with work experience placements in their chosen area - such as catering, retail, office settings and hairdressing. This approach encourages participation and achievement and helps the learner progress onto further education or employment.
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LVS Hassocks has been brilliant for our daughter. She has made friends, massive social strides and academic progress”
real life opportunities
Additional learning opportunities include: Horticulture We give our students work within the school grounds and our outdoor classroom/polytunnel. Some of the skills they learn and are assessed on include: • establishing and maintaining plants • harvesting and preparing crops • understanding safe working practices • what tools to use • how to look after them Catering Our catering kitchen and school dining hall offer a fantastic environment to learn the skills needed for the catering and hospitality industry. Students can learn about food safety and preparation, basic cooking techniques, special diets and customer care. Supporting Qualifications All students complete a Literacy and Numeracy qualification alongside their NVQ. We also offer a range of additional courses including the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
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destinations and positive outcomes We help learners to find placements and work after they leave us Liam, former student who became Sodexo Young Chef of the Year in 2015
of our learners 100% go on to Further Education or R NE R LEA
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E N AT D TIO A G IN VIN ST LEA DE
TS EN M M CO
Cameron
July 16
Nescot College
ICT course
Callum
July 16
Employment
Sodexo
Rhys
July 16
Reading College
ICT course
George
July 16
Carshalton College
ICT course
Alastair
July 16
Cambian Wing College
Residential college
Cameron
July 16
Employment
Construction industry
Lee
July 16
Nescot College
Uniformed Public Services course
Dan
July 16
Langdon College
Residential college
employment Our schools aim to deliver positive outcomes on many levels. Some of the relatively small achievements on paper for a learner can often be the result of major commitment and sustained hard work. We celebrate all successes no matter how small they may appear. One of our school’s proudest achievements is in our ability to help learners find opportunities beyond school - in colleges and in full and part time work after they leave. Our 100% rate of successful placements is testimony to our ethos, helping our learners to build positive futures and fulfilled lives within their own communities.
LVS Hassocks London Road Sayers Common West Sussex BN6 9HT 01273 832901 offi
[email protected] www.lvs-hassocks.org.uk
LVS Oxford Spring Hill Road Begbroke OX5 1RX 01865 595170
[email protected] http://www.lvs-oxford.org.uk
Two schools providing a unique, positive education for young people on the autism spectrum
Printed on recycled paper
Facts and figures used in this document relate to LVS Hassocks or LVS Oxford
LVS Hassocks is part of the Licensed Trade Charity Registered Charity No. 230011
