Type of service: Day schools, Residential schools, Schools

Service URL: http://www.lvs-hassocks.org.uk

LVS Hassocks is a multi-award-winning specialist school for boys and girls aged 11 to 19 with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. It aims to enable students to realise their full potential and become independent individuals who are confident and successful, leaving the school able to enjoy independent futures in jobs or further mainstream education.

LVS Hassocks has an experienced team of teachers and teaching assistants who are passionate about providing a positive and nurturing learning environment for young people with a diagnosis of autism. A specialist curriculum is underpinned by three main areas for development – Learning, Growing and Achieving. With small class sizes averaging eight pupils, and a teacher and LSA in every one, LVS Hassocks provides academic and personal learning opportunities. The school offers a range of GCSEs, BTECs and OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications, along with a host of work experience opportunities, all of which allow students to go on to mainstream colleges or work placements. LVS Hassocks even has its own dedicated café on site to allow students to gain work experience in a safe, reassuring environment.

On-site speech & language therapists, occupational therapists and therapy assistants support pupils on a daily basis and help them develop calming strategies suited to the individual to help deal with increased anxiety. An integrated approach includes therapists supporting teaching staff to ensure classrooms are autism friendly and the language requirements of the curriculum are differentiated for different pupil cohorts.

Aimed at: Adolescent

Covers: London, South East, South West

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability