Type of service: Service providers

Ruskin Mill Trust is a charitable Trust which operates three colleges; Ruskin Mill College in Nailsworth, Glasshouse College in Stourbridge, and Freeman College in Sheffield. These colleges provide an innovative and practical education for 16 to 25 year olds with special learning needs. The Trust also operates Brantwood Specialist School in Sheffield for children and young adults aged 7 - 19 years with special educational needs, and Clervaux Trust in Darlington for 16 -25 year olds with special educational needs who are not in education, employment or training. Residential provision for adults is also available.

The Ruskin Mill Trust experience ensures that students follow an individualised programme of learning, both during the day at college and as a life skills curriculum during evenings and weekends. Therapeutic activities and a diet rich in organic whole foods complement educational programmes, providing a unique model of care and development. Students' progression throughout their college placement is carefully monitored and adjusted to ensure that learning opportunities are maximised. Many students arrive at college with low self esteem and very little expectation of leading a more fulfilling life. Staff at these specialist provisions help them to re-imagine their potential. Students leave college with practical qualifications, a more positive self image, supported by invaluable skills for living and work. Around 30% progress to higher or continuing education and 30% find jobs or become volunteer workers immediately on leaving college. Whilst some return to their families, many are able to live independently having been directly involved in their transition planning. The Trust continues to develop the scope of the curriculum, continually embedding essential literacy, numeracy and communication skills and ensuring that curriculum development is symbiotic with cultural and economic regeneration in the locality of each college. Responsiveness to learners and to employers are key priorities for the Trust's future, whilst maintaining an innovative, pioneering focus to keep the learning and development experience at the leading edge of special education is a key feature of the Trust's mission. All the colleges are set within commercial craft and arts centres where members of the public can visit.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult

Specialisms: Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Challenging behaviour, Learning disability