Charlie
Charlie’s four years at LVS Hassocks were life-changing. He arrived hating school, as he had been unable to cope in a mainstream setting, and having not attended school for more than year. He was also suffering with anxiety to the extent that he was unable to leave home.
In the words of Charlie’s parents, LVS Hassocks offered more than just an education, it gave Charlie the tools he needed to achieve, progress and achieve the dream of living a more independent life.
“LVS Hassocks was somewhere he felt comfortable, they understood him and built his confidence and taught him life skills. We had thought, if he struggles to get dressed in the morning, what’s the use of maths?” But with the care, guidance and expert teaching at LVS Hassocks, Charlie went on to achieve GCSEs, as well as an A-Level.
“Everything was tailored to his needs and nothing was too much trouble,” say his parents.
Real life skills, including on- and off-site practical experience, where he enjoyed working with the horticultural team, enabled him to discover what he enjoyed and what he might like to do in the future. As part of school’s transition programme, to prepare students for their next step, LVS Hassocks regularly took Charlie to the local Brinsbury College to try different courses. And this is where Charlie discovered his passion for Blacksmithing, with him going on to embark on a full-time course in September 2023, with plans to progress to a Level 3 qualification.
“I can’t thank LVS Hassocks enough.”
Coping with change and starting anything new can be a big deal for someone like Charlie, but LVS’s support and encouragement enabled him to succeed. Weekly visits organised by the school enabled him to get to know the college, the team and the grounds. “Putting our trust in someone else to take care of Charlie is a huge risk for us as a family, but the whole experience was made a lot easier with the help of LVS Hassocks,” say his parents.
Most recently, Charlie has also begun work experience with a local Ironworks, while still studying at Brinsbury – a very proud moment for his parents, who have always wanted Charlie to have a life with independence, a job and a future.
As for Charlie, he says: “The school is a great place. There is lots of land and so much space to breathe. I felt accepted for being me and I was never made to feel like autism was weird.
“Everyone is individual and that was okay at LVS Hassocks, unlike at a mainstream school. There was support from reception staff, head teacher, school nurse, teaching staff, LSAs and grounds team,” he continues.
“I miss LVS but it helped make me the person I am today and made sure I was ready to go onto my next stage of education. I can’t thank LVS Hassocks enough. It made me change my views on hating school to loving it.”