Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Special School Review Letter

  Mon 31 Mar 2025

  31 March 2025

   

  Dear Parent/Carer

   

  I hope that this letter finds you, your friends and family in good health

   

  This is an update regarding the special school review.

   

  On the 5th December 2024, I shared with you the actions of myself and other Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KsENT) Headteachers and some families. I shared with you our decision to instruct legal representation to bring a claim in judicial review regarding the Special School Review.  This was against the decision of Kent County Council (KCC) to proceed with the redesignation of 7 special schools in Kent, including Laleham Gap.  We also instructed legal representation to review the process by which this was achieved as we felt the process had been lacking in detail, evidence and true collaboration. 

   

  After considerable work by Headteachers, families and Legal counsel, a Pre Action letter was issued to KCC on the 14th February 2025. This decision was not taken lightly. However, our intention was to place children’s interests at the heart of all decision making.  

   

  On 27^th March 2025, we received formal confirmation from KCC’s legal representative that the planned redesignation of the 7 identified special schools, would not be implemented.  KCC is considering the matter afresh and has not decided what any future decision will be. 

   

  As Headteachers of Kent’s special schools we continue to recognise the need for change, and we welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively. We are optimistic that we can co-produce the systematic changes that clearly need to happen, ensuring they make the system better for all children with SEND.

   

  Please be assured our highest priority will always be ensuring the very best education and outcomes for our children and we hope this action will allow time for true collaboration and planning in the interests of your child/children.

   

  Yours sincerely

  Les Milton

  Headteacher

• Headteacher Letter

  Mon 03 Mar 2025

  3 March 2025

   

  Dear Parents and Carers

   

  I hope that this letter finds you, your friends and family in good health and that you had an enjoyable half term.

   

  At the end of last term our wonderful pupils entertained us with this year’s drama club production of Shrek the Musical. Pupils worked very hard in rehearsals and our very own Mr Clements actor/director extraordinaire worked his magic to direct the show. A big thank you to Mrs Short, Ms Sanders and Ms Price who helped each week with drama club rehearsals. We hope you enjoyed.

   

  World Book Day (WBD) is nearly here! We shall be having our WBD on Friday 7th March (which is a day after the National WBD). Your child is encouraged to dress as their favourite book character for the day if they should wish. We would encourage parents to use clothes they have and be creative with them, rather than spending money on costumes they might not wear again. If your child wishes to dress up and is due out on a trip for part of that day, please ensure they have a suitable change of clothes with them.

   

  I have not received any more information regarding when the public consultation for our redesignation to a Neurodivergent and Learning Difficulties school. Please be assured as soon as I have more information, I will share it with you immediately.

   

  Kent County Council have made the decision that the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS) will be taken back in-house. For those who don’t know, we have held a service level agreement with KCC for the last 12 years running this service for the district of Thanet. I am disappointed that we will no longer be employing those staff but fully understand KCC’s decision. We wish all the staff and the service the very best for the future after they leave us on 31 August 2025.

   

  This year’s Music Showcase takes place on Wednesday 26 March at 6pm in the Drama Hall. This is a celebration of musical talent from across the school that includes both Primary and Secondary students. Students have been invited to participate songs of their choice both live but also sharing music made using technology. We currently have over 20 students signed up to perform. Tickets will be available (free) by contacting Mrs Short on alia.short@lgs.kent.sch.uk . Please note, performers do not need a ticket.

   

  Dates for your diary:

  Year 8 Parents Evening Monday 17 March at 4.00pm

  Parent Coffee Morning Wednesday 19 March at 9.00am

   

  Best wishes

  Les Milton

  Headteacher