Welcome to the Heath Farm College
Heath Farm College is situated in Maidstone and has capacity to support up to 58 students. The provision facilitates a professional post 16 provision for students with EHCPs who are not ready for a large FE college or large school/academy 6th Form provision.
We are part of the Acorn Education, in turn part of Outcomes First Group. We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world.
Heath Farm School and Heath Farm College both share the same values of Love, Commitment and Opportunity.
Our vision, as in the rest of Heath Farm School, is one of:
Love
A place where students can thrive in an environment whereby their personal wellbeing and development is shown through unconditional love, regular and effective interventions, therapies and support.
Opportunity
A place where students can exceed expectations through a well-chosen, appropriate, challenging and relevant programme of study with levels of challenge and resilience to promote the very best outcomes.
Commitment
A place were students are expected to rise to the challenge of a variety of enrichment opportunities, visits and activities which aim to promote high levels of perseverance and resilience in preparation for a successful adulthood.
Philosophy and Ethos
We provide a small, professional environment for 16 – 19 year olds to learn and develop skills for life. The curriculum and programme of study are under frequent evaluation, however, you will see from the Programme of Study information the qualifications students are presently taking.
We provide a holistic setting whereby we consider all aspects of wellbeing, personal, social and academic development hold equal weighting.
Through our company we are able to refer students to psychotherapy, S< and OT as and when required. Our college has a psychotherapist assigned for the post 16 students, and our students can make a self-referral.
The students benefit from staff who are well trained in a wide range of complex needs and, although the school and college are primarily SEMH provisions, as time has moved on we have complex and overlapping needs. Both the school and college staff are trained in ‘Trauma Informed Practice’ alongside a wide range of other pedagogies and strategies as would be the case for any school, academy or college.
Our aim is to prepare students for the world of work or further education and our success rates are building each year. We expect students to develop independence and take ownership of their learning and development for adulthood. We expect students to engage in all of their sessions and any additional input such as S< and OT or therapy if required.
We have a large proportion of students who are in care or assisted living and we are proud of the work we facilitate as students cross the 18+ threshold. We have good working relationships with social care across a wide range of counties and London boroughs.
The Environment
The college will replicate the business-like, professional approach of the the adult world and as such the students can wear their own clothes, will abide by the Code of Conduct devised by students and be expected to take a full and mature responsibility for their learning, wellbeing and engagement in opportunities.
The students will be expected to take on board a different style of relationship and attitude to their daily programme of study. The ability to manage portfolios and meet tight deadlines will be supported and developed throughout the autumn term.
Students and staff are provided with a free breakfast, lunch and snack as part of their daily routine.
The transition to being a young adult is always going to be a challenge, however, the complete equality between the ‘love, commitment and opportunity’ aspects of their provision combined with a strong team and clear leadership will provide a secure grounding for the next stage of their lives.
View our Virtual Tour
Please note, the virtual tour for this school was filmed at a point in time, therefore the layout, classroom details and other areas may have changed.