Students at Fairfield Farm College have returned after the summer break to a brand new Independent Living Centre, which will help students to learn independent living skills in the well-equipped home. The new resource will become a central feature of the college, which specialises in helping students with learning disabilities; it is a registered charity, with residential, day and weekend courses.
The 26-acre Fairfield Farm College site includes well-resourced teaching and vocational learning areas, a student common room, conference room, café and a farm shop. The college has evolved over the years, with 80% of the students being day students. As a result, learning those essential skills in a real home setting to prepare them for living more independently, is vital.
The 17th century, Grade-II listed farmhouse is at the heart of the college campus, and where it all began over 45 years ago as a rural training centre, started by Ruth and Ken Hester. The restoration project to convert the site into the Living Centre took over six months to complete. The work was carried out by Liddiard Builders who worked tirelessly to meticulously return the farmhouse to its former glory, in time for the new term.
“The Independent Learning Centre will benefit all our students,” said Tina Pagett, the Principal at Fairfield Farm College. “It enables the college to provide a realistic home environment, allowing them to learn skills for independent living.”