A SPECIALIST college for students with autism has been praised for its “very good support” by Ofsted following a recent inspection.

Farleigh Further Education College in Frome was rated good overall and in all assessment categories, which include effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare, outcomes for students and its provision for students with high needs.

The report read: “Students receive excellent sensitive support from managers, tutors and support staff in classes, on work experience and in their places of residence.

“All students follow individualised timetables that support their progress very well.

“Staff are knowledgeable and well trained. Staff are empathetic and are considerate to the diverse needs of their students.

“They provide timely and personalised support to their students. As a result, students develop well emotionally during their time at college.”

Caroline Scott, head of the college, said: “We are delighted with Ofsted’s findings, which recognise the high standard of work being achieved at the college.

“However, we don’t see this as the end of our improvement journey, but a step towards our aim to be an outstanding college.”

Inspectors went on to say: “Students enjoy attending lessons and being at the college and the residences. They participate in a wide range of social activities which provide them with good opportunities to socialise.

“They improve their interpersonal and social skills well.

“Students benefit from a good range of enrichment activities that are specifically designed for young people with autism.”

The Frome college takes on up to 90 young people aged from 16 to 25 from West Wiltshire and Somerset with autism and related conditions.

It is managed by Priory Education and Children’s Services.

Simon Coles, CEO of Priory Education and Children’s Services, said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank Caroline for all of her hard work in making Frome Further Education College a great place for students to learn and develop their skills for life after college.

“I am sure everyone there will keep up the great work.”