Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
-
Headteacher Letter
Fri 27 Jun 202526 June 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope that this letter finds you, your friends and family in good health.
Thank you to all parents and carers who attended our annual cheese and wine evening on Wednesday 18 June. It is always good to meet with you all over a glass of wine. It is also a good opportunity to mingle with parents/carers. We will let you know at the beginning of next term when the next coffee morning will be. If you have topics that you would like us to discuss, please let me know via the email below.
An amazing 80% of parents have now signed up to the Arbor Parent App. Please ensure you have signed up in time for 2025-26 as school dinner money will only be payable via the app in September. If you are having any problems, please contact the school office on 01843 570598 or email secretary@lgs.kent.sch.uk.
As always, our summer term is busy with lots of events for pupils. This week we have had trips to Thorpe Park Quex and Sandwich Bay bird observatory.
Dates for your diary:
Monday 30 June – Year 7 parents evening
Thursday 3 July – GCSE Art, Craft and Design Exhibition
Friday 11 July – Primary Summer Fair
Wednesday 16 July – Secondary Sports Day and Summer Fair
Please remember term ends on Friday 18 July with pupils returning on Tuesday 2 September.
Best Wishes
Les Milton
Headteacher
-
Headteacher Letter
Thu 15 May 202515 May 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope that this letter finds you, your friends and family in good health.
We have a new minibus. Mr Milton collected the minibus from St Georges Golf Club in Weybridge at Easter. The bus was mainly sponsored by Richard Keel from Keel Toys. This was in conjunction with the Variety Club and School Sponsorship.
We now run Family Thrive programmes using the Thrive Approach to help parents and carers understand how these strategies can make a positive difference to the wellbeing of your children - and therefore the whole family. It helps families to understand why their children may behave in the way they do. Family Thrive offers you some strategies and activities that help build positive relationships in your family unit, for the wellbeing of each of you. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Lindsay Kelly at lindsay.kelly@lgs.kent.sch.uk.
Parent App – We will be launching a Parent App next Friday 23 May. We will be sending an introduction email with instructions on this date. Once logged in, you will be able you to access your child’s school account, look at attendance, leave a message and pay for lunches, trips and clubs.
Travel update - Haine Road and Star Link Road 4-way traffic lights whilst they put in Gas supply. Click on the link below for full details:
We have received a request for help from parents/carers to partake in a voluntary questionnaire. This is a research study that will be conducted by Laura Cullen who is currently studying at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) on Early Childhood Studies with Special Educational Needs. She is conducting this study on the Impacts of having a child with SEND, and the effects it has within a family.
Please access the questionnaire by clicking on the following link:
This year’s Cheese and Wine evening will take place on Wednesday 18 June, at 6pm in the TISS building. You are all welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.
This term ends on Friday 23 May 2025 and term six starts on Monday 2 June 2025. Term six will be busy, with the usual Summer Fairs and Sports days. Please check the calendar on our website. Please be assured we will write again next term reminding you of key dates.
Best Wishes
Les Milton
Headteacher
-
Special School Review Letter
Mon 31 Mar 202531 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 27th 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 20253 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
-
World Book Day
Thu 27 Feb 2025February 2025
Dear Parents/Carers,
World Book Day (WBD) is nearly here! We shall be having our WBD on Friday 7 thMarch (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.
We are also running a whole school ‘Book swap shop’ to celebrate our World Book Day this year. We would welcome pupils to bring in a book(s) they would like to donate to the ‘swap shop’ and in return they will be able to choose a book from the swap shop in the afternoon of our WBD.
The day will also include activities such as:
- Bring in a favourite book to share an extract with the class in class time/tutor group time
- A range of art and craft, writing and reading activities relating to World Book Day
- Book themed obstacle course
- Where’s Wally competition
- Guess the character/ author and book quizzes
- And much more.
Thank you for your support.
Kind regards,
Fran Eastwood/Mandy Kirke-Laird / Andrew Bourton English Lead/Primary Lead
-
Headteacher Letter
Fri 14 Feb 202514 February 2025
Dear Parents and Carers 
I hope that this letter finds you, your friends and family in good health.
Many thanks to all those who attended the coffee morning yesterday. It was great to see so many of you there. Our next one is at 9:15 on Wednesday 19 March.
We covered a range of topics including Therapies, our offer and future activity. This included a talk led by Ms Bober regarding Thrive and Family Thrive for parents and carers. The Thrive approach is an evidence-based approach to support pupil’s social and emotional development. There will be a separate letter soon inviting you to be part of this activity.
I discussed the latest planning application for our area. This time I am broadly pleased by the proposals for having Paddle board courts constructed close to the school. Please see the application below, for more details.
https://planning.thanet.gov.uk/online-applications
F/TH/25/0003
We also talked about the proposed redesignation of Laleham Gap school. KCC are proposing to change our designation from a Communication & Interaction (C&I) school to a Neurodivergent with Learning Difficulties (NLD) school. Laleham Gap school recognises the need for change and welcomes greater inclusion of pupils with more complex learning difficulties to our inclusive, learning community.
We would like the focus to remain on pupil need, not on labelling children. I would like the new designation to be worded as:
Communication and Interaction. Admission guidance:
Pupils are neurodiverse and may have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, learning difficulties or other conditions. Pupils have severe social communication difficulties, and may have social, emotional mental health needs associated with neurodiversity, including severe social anxiety.
We are awaiting a notice for a 28-day public consultation regarding these proposals. When I receive this, I will write and let you know. At that time, I will be seeking your support and attendance at the public consultation meeting to support the future of our school.
A quick reminder to all parents of year 8 pupils, the expectations for pupil phone use will, from next term be the same as year 7 and primary pupils. Children may have their phones for their journeys to and from school but, will hand them in at Reception until the end of the day.
I would like to thank all involved staff and pupils for their hard work, perseverance and talent with our performance, Shrek the Musical. Both nights were sold out and good fun was had by all. I would particularly like to thanks Mr Clements and Mrs Short for all their time.
I wish you all an enjoyable half term break. I look forward to seeing you all on the 24/2/25.
Best wishes
Les Milton
Headteacher
-
Headteacher Letter
Tue 11 Feb 202511 February 2024
Dear Parents and Carers
Subject: Limits on Mobile Phone Use by Year 8 Pupils
I am writing to inform you of an important change to mobile phone use for all Year 8 pupils. From Monday 24 February year 8 pupils will not be able to access their mobile devices during the school day. They must hand in their devices on arrival and collect upon leaving the school building. The devices will be kept in a secure box during the day. This change, which is an extension of our Primary and Year 7 approach, is designed to protect children and reduce the risks presented from social media. It is also designed to improve pupil wellbeing and attendance.
As you will have seen in the media there has been an increasing debate about mobile phones in schools since the Government issued its guidance earlier this year. There is a lot of concern about the amount of time pupils are spending on mobile phones, the distractions that this causes in school and the very real dangers of social media. Since September we have had to deal with a growing number of issues regarding pupils’ misuse of mobile phones, with the most recent resulting in police action. We have therefore reviewed our approach to mobile phone use.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain the new expectations for your child in year 8 which is the same as for Primary and Year 7 pupils. This means that your child’s devices will be available for transport and in case of emergencies but will be handed in at reception and stored securely until the end of the day. If you need to contact your child during the school day, please ring the school office and we will be able to get a message to them.
We appreciate your support with this matter.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Les Milton
Headteacher
-
Headteacher Letter
Thu 23 Jan 202523 January 2025
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope that this letter finds you, your friends and family in good health.
I can’t quite believe we are halfway through term three. I would like to thank you all for ensuring your children are at school, on time and ready to learn each day. Your support is very much appreciated. When I walk around the school, I can see pupils working hard and engaging in their lessons.
Mr Parkin has been busy having careers meeting with all our year 10 pupils. This is a great opportunity for our pupils and families to meet with an experienced careers advisor and discuss future education and career opportunities.
We have welcomed a new Sports Coach to our community this term. Woody has been working with our primary pupils for some time, through Inclusive Sport and it is great to now have him join us. Even though the weather is not on our side, I can see lots of team sports taking place in the gym daily. Woody will also be running some after school clubs, more news on this will come out shortly.
Our Drama club each Wednesday after school have been working very hard putting together their performance for Shrek the Musical. Watch this space for ticket information.
Yr10 and Primary parents, today is the last day to book in for parents evening next Monday 27 January via Helen at helen.rowan@lgs.kent.sch.uk or 01843 570598.
Dates for your diary
Monday 27 January – Year 10 and Primary Parents evening
Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February – Drama Club performance of Shrek the Musical
Friday 14 February – Wellbeing Day
Wednesday 19 March Parent Coffee Morning
Further information about these dates will be sent out in the coming weeks.
Best wishes
Les Milton
Headteacher
-
Headteacher Letter
Fri 20 Dec 2024Dear Parents / Carers
I trust this letter finds you, your family and friends in good health.
We have had a very busy week at school with lots of great Christmas events taking place. Including, primary and secondary Christmas Faye’s, Santa’s wrapping room, and Fantastic Christmas Lunch for all.
Great news, our Wrapping Room and Christmas Fayre’s raised £1898 for the Friends of Laleham Gap Charity.
Primary Carol Concert Wednesday 18
Thank you to all who attended and supported on the day. The Children performed superbly, and I can assure you that the pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsals and shows. It was a very Christmasy affair enjoyed by all. It was great to see so many families supporting the show and enjoying our Christmas festivities.
The Secondary Talent Show took place today. As always, an amazing array of talent was on show. Many thanks for all those pupils that participated. These events are a great chance for our children to show off their hidden talents. A great chance for pupils and staff to have festive fun.
Support Services available duirng the Christmas break
Re: Winter Support 2024
We hope you are all looking forward to a wonderful Christmas with your families. However, we know that this can be a stressful time of year for some and wanted to acknowledge that this can also be an anxious time for lots of our children and young people. We are ever aware that big changes for our children can have a significant impact on their wellbeing and mental health.
We know that many of our children and young people rely heavily on school support, which is naturally unavailable during the holiday periods. In preparation for the Christmas break, we have therefore reviewed our safeguarding flyers which sign post the most relevant services that you can turn to for help, should you require support during the school break.
These flyers have a new look and reflect the latest advice and guidance available from the Local Authority, Education Safeguarding Service, and Education Psychology Service. Please find the flyer attached to the e-mail that accompanies this letter.
Please note, as always, we will be encouraging all our staff to rest and recharge over the Christmas holiday ready for the New Year. It is therefore important to remind you that we will be unable to support with any urgent requests or concerns during the holiday period. We will still be periodically checking e-mails, but our flyers contain contact details for other agencies that are more appropriately placed to support outside of school.
Our school website also has wealth of useful information, including details about the ‘Local Offer’, useful links, crisis lines and information about how to make mental health referrals via the ‘Single Point of Access’. Please visit https://www.lgs.kent.sch.uk/topic/wellbeing to find out more.
The information for the Single Point of Access and the Crisis Lines can also be found on the school’s home page on the ‘Pupil Wellbeing’ tab.
On behalf of all the staff at Laleham Gap, we wish all families within our school community a wonderful Christmas, and we will look forward to working with you and your children again in the New Year.
Post 16 Open Evening
On Thursday 9 January 2025 from 3.15-4.45pm, we will be holding our annual Post 16 Open evening. All families of year 10 pupils are welcome. Please look out for an email from Mr Ainsworth with full details.
Christmas Holiday Dates
The last day of term is today and the first day back for pupils is Monday 6 January 2025.
Best wishes
Les Milton
-
KsENT Parent Communication
Mon 09 Dec 20245th December 2024
Dear Parents,
As Headteachers and members of the Kent Special Educational Needs Trust (KsENT) we wanted to take the time to write to our families personally.
Many of you will be aware that Kent County Council is making changes across the education system that directly affect children with Special Educational Needs (SEND).
As Headteachers of Kent’s special schools we recognise the need for change and would welcome the opportunity for true collaboration to plan these changes ensuring they make the system better for all children with SEND.
We feel the Special School Review has failed to evidence:
- How children’s outcomes will be improved
- How the system will be prepared for the changes proposed (changes to buildings and environments, staff training and planning for special schools and mainstreams to work together)
- How the changes proposed are based on expert advice and an evidence base
It is with heavy hearts that we as KsENT Heads took the decision last week to instruct counsel in order to bring a claim in judicial review against the decision of KCC to proceed with the redesignation of special schools.
We have also instructed counsel to review the process by which this was achieved as we feel the process has been lacking in detail, evidence and true collaboration.
As special school Heads every decision we have made has been based on the children and families we serve, and we hoped to reach a middle ground where some of the concerns we have raised could have been addressed through sector wide co-production.
Furthermore, whilst we are supportive of the need for mainstream schools to be inclusive, these proposals come with no additional funding or resources to meet the needs of students with more complex SEND in mainstream schools.
As a group, we are united in our belief that:
- The Special School Review consultation was not conducted appropriately, and is lacking in detail, evidence base and financial modelling
- There has been little, or no work done towards properly preparing both Special Schools and Mainstream Schools for the changes proposed
- The resulting provision will be discriminatory to certain groups of children and young people with SEND
We have therefore written to The Local Authority, Department for Education and Ofsted.
As a group of school leaders with the best interest of our students at heart, we believe that we have no choice but to do this. At every stage of the process, we have articulated our concerns clearly and requested the education system be brought together as a whole; these concerns and requests for collaboration have simply not been listened to.
We therefore view our action as not only necessary, but ultimately caused by the failure of KCC to address the issues raised.
We would like you to know that our priority will always be ensuring the very best education for our children and we hope this action will allow time for true collaboration and planning in the interests of your children.
Yours faithfully,
KsENT Headteachers
