Freeman College

Overview

Freeman College is an independent specialist college providing residential and day education for young people with complex needs. The inspection found that leaders have a "clear vision and purpose," delivering a curriculum based on "Practical Skills Therapeutic Education" that helps students overcome barriers to learning. The report states that the "quality of education," "behaviour and attitudes," "personal development," and "leadership and management" are all "Good."

Strengths

• Leaders effectively use craft-based tasks, such as "spoon forging" and "blacksmithing," to help students develop "independence, communication, focus and tolerance."
• Students receive "bespoke and personalised support" from on-site therapists and counsellors, enabling them to make strong progress towards their education, health and care plan outcomes.
• Teachers "carefully plan and deliver the curriculum in a logical order," using strategies like breaking information into "small chunks" to support recall and understanding.
• Students gain confidence and pride in their work, with opportunities to enter competitions and display crafts in "local galleries."
• Staff provide effective careers guidance and "well-planned and meaningful work experience placements" that reflect students' long-term aspirations.

Areas to improve

• Continue to focus on improving attendance, which is lower than targets in some cases due to students' mental health.
• Fully implement the recently introduced personal development curriculum.
• Ensure that students’ progress is carefully recorded so that all staff are aware of what each student needs to do next.

Safeguarding

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