Curly's Farm in Leysdown, Sheppey, becomes independent school for SEND children

A well-known community farm has become an independent school for children with special educational needs.

Curly's Farm in Leysdown celebrated the achievement following months of preparation and an assessment by Ofsted.

It means the 10-acre site has officially become an alternative provision for those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

This includes young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), behavioural and complex needs, as well as chronic school refusers who would benefit from a farming-based learning environment.

The farm school now also receives referrals from Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council.

Head of provision, Kyle Ratcliffe, says this change will give parents and carers another option on where and how their children can be educated.

“It professionalises what we're doing and gives my staff the recognition for all the hard work that they do,” the 47-year-old explained.

“I think we've always been seen as that ‘nice little petting farm’ at the other end of the Island.

“What we are offering is real and is an actual option for families.

“It also puts us under a regulatory body that other schools are measured against. We're suddenly on the same level playing field as other educational establishments.”

Curly's Farm was first set up by Kyle and his husband Garry to thank Islanders who helped when Nick Knowles' BBC TV show DIY SOS completely rebuilt the couple's bungalow in Brambledown to cater for their four adopted children.

The non-profit organisation was then created and named after the nickname of their disabled son, Curtis, who they adopted when he was just 12 weeks old.

Over the last eight years, the farm has grown in popularity.

After relocating to their current site in Bay View, they now have 24 members of staff who support around 120 young people each week.

“Curly’s Farm is here for those with more complex needs and challenging behaviours,” Kyle explained.

“Also, we don't have classrooms – we're outside.

“We look after young people who just can't conform to a normal classroom setting and find sitting still or being indoors difficult.”

Kyle told KentOnline he decided to start the process of becoming an independent school due to the government tightening regulations surrounding alternative provisions.

Since January, staff have received training on different learning styles and behaviour management techniques.

Ofsted published a pre-registration inspection at the end of September.

The report noted that the curriculum on the farm is “broad and ambitious” – incorporating both academic and life skills.

“Pupils will study a wide range of subjects, such as art, animal husbandry, design and technology, and physical education (PE),” it went on to say.

“Detailed schemes of work set out what pupils will learn. Content is sequenced logically and carefully to enable pupils to build their knowledge over time.”

It was also recognised for its vocational routes, accredited qualifications and careers guidance that has been built into curriculum planning.

Ofsted praised the trustees and staff, who already have both the experience and expertise needed.

The inspector added: “Pupils who will attend Curly’s Farm are likely to have previously missed a lot of time at school.

“The proprietor anticipates that pupils will have complex and varied learning, behavioural, medical, social and emotional needs.

“The proposed school is acutely aware of this context, and it is building the school’s ethos and curriculum around it.”

As of Monday, September 22, the Department of Education (DfE) granted the farm independent school status.

It is now registered with Ofsted and can educate 32 children aged between five and 19, who have complex medical health needs and challenging behaviours.

It is currently taking new admissions.

If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch via admin@curlyslegacy.co.uk or visit www.curlysfarm.co.uk

It will still be open to the public in the spring and summer school holidays, and will still host its annual Carols on the Farm Christmas event.