Staff Stories
We employ a wide range of specialist teachers and support staff. Our small classes and expert staff help maintain a calm environment, conducive to learning.
The real benefit of a school like this is that the staff at LVS Hassocks really understand what autism is.
Scroll down for profiles of just some our staff and see the rewarding work they do.
Tim Ng
A maths teacher with 20 years’ experience in the classroom, Tim Ng teaches Year 10 and 11, as well as being a Form Tutor to Year 10.
Having arrived in the UK from Hong Kong at the beginning of 2024, Tim has settled into school life, and excels at finding something to interest every child at every level.
“In mainstream education, you have to rigidly follow the curriculum, but here I can do different things to help them be happy at achieving what they can at their level,” says Tim. “Students like to improve their skills – it’s a natural thing. But if something is too difficult, children become frustrated, what you need to do is to find their level, then they will automatically want to give it a try.”
Michael Jacks
Food Tech teacher and Year 8 Form Tutor, Michael Jacks is a whizz in the kitchen, encouraging students to get creative and find joy in cooking.
Michael has developed the food curriculum at LVS Hassocks, coming up with recipes and dishes that will suit every child. “I’ve come up with some more technical dishes too, because some of our Year 11s have become very capable – even doing a lot of international cuisine.” They recently made Chinese-style pancakes with plum sauce – both made from scratch – served with crispy chicken, and Japanese Gyoza (dumplings).
Keen cooks in Year 9 have even been giving Michael ideas for new recipes. “Some students love experimenting with herbs and spices, and I’m really enjoying providing support to each individual student, to make sure no-one is ever over-looked.”
Jay Johnson
English teacher, Form Tutor, Head of PHSE and football coach, the multi-talented Jay Johnson also runs the school’s football club each lunchtime.
Current champions of the Albion Cup, a SEN football tournament that saw LVS Hassocks competing against six other schools in their group and winning, Jay is proud to both support the keen footballers, as well as successfully getting others – those who aren’t so interested in sport – to give it a go.
LVS Hassocks is all about empowering each student to do their best, says Jay, who joined the school just under three years ago. He is enjoying being part of strong and supportive teaching team, happy in the knowledge that smaller sized teaching groups allow him to give the time and attention to help every student progress and feel valued.
Al Lewis
Al Lewis is a highly experienced teacher and Learning Support Assistant, having worked within SEN for more than 25 years, the last eight of these at LVS Hassocks.
Every day at LVS Hassocks is special, says Al, who drives the short 15 minutes distance from her home in nearby Brighton to the picturesque and stunning school site. “It’s really lovely here. As you come up the school drive in the morning, you might see a hawk sitting on the fence or deer running across the fields. It’s a wonderful and very welcoming environment.”
A nurturing and supportive environment, Al explains that LVS Hassocks is very good at putting in place various elements to support a child when they first arrive. “It’s about identifying what each student needs to help them make a successful transition into the school.”
Takeisha Achene James
Lessons in music and performance boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem, with even the most reluctant student willing to give it a go with encouragement from their teacher, Takeisha Achene James, herself a multi-talented musician.
Dance and drama were added to the school curriculum in September 2023 and have grown in popularly, while the music club gives pupils the opportunity to play an instrument. Students not only perform at the summer and Christmas shows, but some have got involved in writing plays or songs for the bands and actors to play.
“At LVS Hassocks we excel at helping children exceed their expectations and progress in ways that they may have once thought wasn’t possible.”
Theresa Griffin
Transitioning from primary into secondary school can be a challenging time for most children, especially those with a diagnosis of autism. As a highly experienced teacher, Theresa Griffin is well-placed to support students over this period and ensure that their experience of life at LVS Hassocks and Year 7 is a positive one.
“As a teacher here, you get to know every child extremely well and understand what sensory or emotional needs they may have and, most importantly, how best to help them thrive.”
LVS Hassocks also recognises that it can be an anxious time for parents and carers too, so weekly reports are provided to highlight the child’s achievements, along with other useful information.
Maisy Greene
Bringing English lessons to life at LVS Hassocks is Maisy Greene, who teaches students in Years 7 to 10 and Year 12. Smaller class sizes and a relaxed and nurturing environment is ideal to get the children totally immersed in literature, with the books being read ranging from gothic novels, like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, to Shakespeare’s Othello and Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses.
“The excellent provision and facilities here at LVS Hassocks enables pupils to progress. Children here feel understood, as we have the skills and the ability to understand their needs and work with them to overcome any anxieties or other issues.”