Frequently Asked Questions

Age requirements vary depending on the programme and qualification. Some Entry Level vocational courses are available from age 9, while Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications have different entry requirements.

We consider each learner's age, abilities, experience and readiness before confirming a suitable programme.

Yes. We welcome home-educated learners and offer vocational qualifications, practical group programmes, individual tuition and flexible learning opportunities.

We also offer Home Ed Explorer, our online learning programme for home-educated children.

Yes. Where appropriate, we can arrange a pre-visit to explore the learning environment, meet our team and discuss individual learning needs.

Pre-visits can be particularly helpful for learners who need additional reassurance before starting.

Contact our education team to discuss your child's interests, learning needs and suitable programmes.

Once a suitable place has been agreed, we will provide enrolment information, booking arrangements and payment details.

Friends of Frampton Farm is a City & Guilds approved centre offering recognised vocational qualifications in Animal Care, Horticulture, Land-Based Construction and Employability Skills.

We are also registered with the AQA Unit Award Scheme, recognising individual learner achievements.

Some enrichment and online learning programmes are non-qualification courses.

Entry Level qualifications introduce learners to practical skills and basic knowledge, with different levels of difficulty.

Level 1 develops foundational vocational skills. Level 2 requires more detailed knowledge and independence, while Level 3 involves more advanced learning and assessment.

We help families identify a suitable starting level based on the learner's abilities and experience.

Many vocational qualifications require sufficient literacy skills to access course materials, understand instructions and complete theory-based assessments.

The level required varies by qualification. Learners do not need to be academically strong, and appropriate support and reasonable adjustments may be available.

For learners with significant literacy difficulties, Entry Level qualifications or AQA Unit Awards may be more appropriate.

Our regular vocational courses are booked for the full academic year.

The time required to complete a qualification depends on its level, size, assessment requirements and the learner's progress. Some programmes may require more than one academic year.

Yes. Many vocational programmes provide theory resources, worksheets and activities through Moodle.

Learners can complete coursework and catch up on missed theory learning at home.

Practical training and assessments must still be completed under appropriate supervision and assessment arrangements.

Yes. We welcome enquiries for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

We consider individual needs, abilities, safety requirements and programme suitability before confirming a placement.

Our group-based vocational courses typically have one tutor and one Teaching Assistant supporting up to 10 learners.

Staffing and group sizes may vary depending on the programme and learning centre. Support within group sessions is shared between learners.

No. Dedicated one-to-one support is not included within standard group course fees.

Learners requiring continuous individual assistance may be able to access separately arranged and funded one-to-one support.

This must be discussed and agreed before the placement begins.

We aim to support different learning needs through appropriate teaching approaches, visual resources, practical demonstrations, processing time and manageable learning tasks.

Adjustments depend on individual needs and the programme. Learners working towards accredited qualifications must still meet the required assessment standards.

Frampton Farm is situated on a hillside with uneven ground and steep slopes, making the site unsuitable for wheelchair users and some learners with significant mobility difficulties.

Accessibility arrangements may differ at Poppies Farm. Please discuss any mobility or accessibility requirements before booking.

Yes. Our regular vocational courses are booked for the full academic year, with places reserved for the agreed course period.

Fees may be paid monthly or termly, but the payment schedule does not change the academic-year booking commitment.

Monthly or termly payment arrangements may be available depending on the programme.

We will confirm the payment options, fees and due dates before enrolment.

City & Guilds registration and certification charges may be payable in addition to tuition fees.

Any additional awarding organisation fees will be explained before registration.

Please inform our team as soon as possible if your child cannot attend.

Fees remain payable for booked sessions in accordance with the agreed booking terms. Missed sessions do not automatically qualify for refunds or replacement sessions.

Where available, missed theory learning can be completed at home through Moodle.

Yes. We welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities and other educational organisations seeking suitable learning opportunities.

Placements may include alternative provision, individual tuition, vocational qualifications, practical learning and enrichment activities.

Fees and arrangements are agreed individually according to the learner's needs and proposed programme.

Our provision may be considered as part of an agreed Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) package for learners with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Any placement and associated funding must be agreed by the responsible local authority.

Families should discuss potential arrangements with their local authority contact.

Learners should wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for practical farm activities and changing weather conditions.

Wellies or sturdy waterproof footwear with good grip are essential.

Learners should also bring a packed lunch, drinks and suitable additional clothing where required.

Parents and carers do not normally remain during group-based learning sessions.

For individual one-to-one placements, we may agree for a parent or carer to attend initially where this is appropriate to help the learner settle.

Any arrangements must be discussed and agreed with our team before the session.