LVS Hassocks Wins National ISA Award for Outstanding Learning Support

2 March 2021 – Staff and students at LVS Hassocks, a specialist school for children with autism in Sayers Common, are celebrating after winning national recognition in the form of the prestigious Independent Schools Association (ISA) award for Outstanding Provision for Learning Support.

The ISA, which represents 550 independent schools nationwide, held its annual awards ceremony on Friday (26 February 2021), to celebrate excellence and innovation across the independent education sector and recognise the hard work of Headteachers and their staff.

For the Outstanding Provision for Learning Support category, judges were looking for schools which offer imaginative support to match the needs of students and strive to work on each child’s development.

LVS Hassocks was praised for standing out from the crowd for its work with its autistic students, which prepares children for all aspects of life after school, including work experience initiatives, personalised emotional regulation plans and a programme to develop skills for independent living. The judges felt that the submission showed that the school offers a truly well-rounded approach to ensure each child is confident and well prepared for life.

LVS Hassocks has developed a range of work experience initiatives including an onsite café, which is open to the public, outdoor learning and horticultural skills.

Alongside academic subjects, wellbeing sessions, such as yoga, are part of the weekly timetable.

Commenting on the win, LVS Hassocks’ Principal, Jen Weeks, said; “The whole school community, including parents, guardians, staff and students, have worked so hard during this particularly challenging year, and we are honoured and proud to be recognised with this award.

“We aim to support our learners not just to survive but to thrive, and we do this by tailoring their education to their individual needs.   We offer a unique approach involving all aspects of self-development to enable students to become confident, active members of their local communities and independent adults. Watching our students grow and flourish is a reward in itself, but we are delighted to receive this official accolade for the initiatives that we have introduced to help each individual to reach their full potential.”

Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, CEO, Independent Schools Association, added; “This past year has been unprecedented for all, but one thing that has remained is the dedication and hard work from ISA Members and their schools to push on and continue to offer an excellent education to all the children in their care.

“LVS Hassocks’ work in recognising and supporting each child’s needs is outstanding. Staff at the school work to truly prepare pupils for life after school. A thoroughly well-deserved award.”

The Awards can be viewed in full online at https://www.isaschools.org.uk/isa-awards