Fairfield Farm College (Fairfield Farm Trust)

Overview

Fairfield Farm College continues to be a "good provider," offering specialist vocational training for learners with complex needs. The curriculum effectively prepares students for adulthood through personalised support and practical skills development, though inconsistencies in teaching quality and limited career exploration require attention.

Strengths

• Leaders have implemented a curriculum focused on "preparing learners for adulthood," linking personalised learning to vocational qualifications.
• Tutors and support staff provide "effective individualised support," using strategies like "zones of regulation" to help learners manage feelings and participate in lessons.
• Learners develop independence and confidence, evidenced by their ability to work in the college café and follow recipes using visual prompts.
• "Almost all learners participate in work-related activities," with an increasing number entering paid employment upon leaving college.
• Leaders maintain "suitably rigorous quality improvement measures," using curriculum reviews to quickly improve teaching quality.

Areas to improve

• Improve teaching practice to ensure "consistently high-quality teaching," addressing instances where worksheets are overly complicated or visuals are not used well.
• Ensure learners complete their own work where possible, as staff occasionally completing tasks "limits learners’ independence."
• Extend work experience opportunities beyond hospitality and land-based subjects to allow learners to explore the "full range work opportunities available."

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."