Facilities
We have a number of specialist facilities at Five Acre Wood, to enhance the curriculum and learning experiences of our pupils.
Hydrotherapy pool
At Loose, our hydrotherapy pool gives pupils with physical disabilities a warm, safe space to experience movement in water, supported by spacious changing areas and a nearby multi-sensory room. Pupils use the pool to build confidence, mobility and body awareness, while benefiting from a calm environment that supports physical wellbeing and therapeutic learning.
Soft play
At Loose, our soft play gives younger pupils safe, engaging spaces to explore movement, balance and physical play. Pupils use these areas to develop confidence, coordination and sensory awareness, while benefiting from fun interaction with others and practising new skills in a supportive environment.
Cooking facilities
At Loose, Snodland and Oxford Road, our cooking facilities give older students practical opportunities to prepare food and cook meals. Students use these spaces to learn about ingredients, hygiene, routines and kitchen safety, helping them build independence, confidence and everyday life skills for the future.
We have facilities at Loose, Snodland and Oxford Rd, in which some of the older pupils are able to cook their own meals. Our FAW Life Lodge based at the Loose Site, offers pupils from all sites, the opportunity to learn and practise independent living skills.
School halls
Our school halls and gym provide flexible spaces for PE, assemblies, lunchtimes and lessons that need room for movement or group activity. Pupils use these spaces to develop physical skills, take part in shared experiences and enjoy active learning, supporting health, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Outdoor play and learning spaces
Our outdoor play and learning spaces include classroom-linked outdoor areas, a multi-use games area (MUGA), all-weather field, soft crumb and tarmac spaces, a bespoke climbing area, sunken trampolines, a sensory garden and outdoor gym equipment. Pupils use these spaces to explore, play, move and learn outdoors, benefiting from fresh air, sensory experiences, physical development and opportunities to practise communication and social skills.
Snodland outdoor facilities
At Snodland, students can access allotments, a Forest School trail, a sunken trampoline and outdoor gym equipment. Students use these facilities for practical outdoor learning, physical activity and exploration, helping them develop confidence, independence, teamwork and a stronger connection with the natural environment.
FAWrient Express
The FAWrient Express is our working café, open to the public and run as part of our hospitality training academy. Pupils use the café to develop real customer service, communication, teamwork and hospitality skills in a live setting, benefiting from meaningful experience that builds confidence, employability and preparation for adulthood. Learn more about the FAWrient Express here.
Platform FAW
Platform FAW is our in-house coffee roastery, giving pupils hands-on experience of the coffee-production process, from roasting beans to packaging and serving. Pupils use the space to develop practical work-related skills, follow routines and understand enterprise, supporting confidence, responsibility and preparation for future opportunities.
7FAW7
The 7FAW7 is our aircraft-based learning space, created from a real plane fuselage that now houses a specialist library and immersive environment. Pupils use the space for reading, exploration and imaginative learning, benefiting from a memorable setting that supports curiosity, communication and engagement. To see before and after photos of our 7FAW7 library space, click here.
FAWtilus
The FAWtilus is our counselling and wellbeing space, ingeniously created inside a repurposed freefall lifeboat. Pupils use the space for quiet support, reflection and emotional wellbeing work, benefiting from a calm, distinctive environment where they can feel safe, listened to and ready to re-engage with learning. Click here to view photographs of the space.
FAWbulous Bus
The FAWbulous Bus is a soft play space created inside a double decker bus. Pupils use the bus to explore movement, sensory play and physical challenge in an exciting environment, helping them develop confidence, coordination and engagement through active play. To learn more about how this amazing space came to be, click here.
Posh Bus
The Posh Bus is a fully accessible games area housed inside a former minibus. Pupils use the space to enjoy interactive games, social activities and shared play, benefiting from inclusive opportunities to communicate, take turns, build friendships and have fun together.
Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE)
Our Outdoor Learning Environment, or OLE, is a versatile space with dedicated areas for horticulture, construction, wildlife exploration, work experience and forest school. Pupils use the area for practical, hands-on learning outdoors, helping them build confidence, independence, teamwork and real-world skills.
Maidstone Radio FAW All
Maidstone Radio FAW All is our digital community radio station where pupils can learn about presenting, interviewing, sound engineering and production. Pupils use the station to develop communication, creativity and technical skills, benefiting from opportunities to share their voice, work as part of a team and grow in confidence.
FAW Life Lodge
FAW Life Lodge is a static caravan that provides a real-life setting for practising independent living skills. Pupils use the lodge to learn routines such as preparing food, keeping a living space organised and managing everyday tasks, supporting confidence, independence and preparation for adulthood. Find out more about how the FAW Life Lodge came to be here.
Sensory rooms
Our sensory rooms provide calm, purposeful spaces with cause-and-effect sensory activities that support engagement, regulation and learning. Pupils use these rooms to explore light, sound, texture and movement, benefiting from personalised sensory experiences that can help them focus, communicate and feel ready to learn.
Made FAW You
Made FAW You is our fully equipped catering kitchen, designed to give pupils practical experience in food preparation, hygiene and hospitality. Pupils use the kitchen to follow recipes, prepare ingredients, cook and understand safe routines in a professional-style environment, benefiting from hands-on opportunities that build independence, confidence, teamwork and employability skills for the future.
Peggy’s FAWtique
Peggy’s FAWtique is our school boutique, open to the public and giving pupils experience of a real retail environment. Pupils use the boutique to practise sorting, displaying and organising items, serving customers and taking part in enterprise activities, benefiting from practical experience that builds communication, confidence, independence and employability skills.
Art of FAW
The Art of FAW is our art studio, giving pupils a dedicated creative space to explore materials, techniques and self-expression. Pupils use the studio to develop artistic skills, communication and confidence, benefiting from opportunities to make choices, share ideas and celebrate their creativity.
FAW Records
FAW Records is our very own record label and music production initiative, giving pupils the chance to record, perform and release professional-quality songs. Pupils use the initiative to develop creativity, communication and performance skills, benefiting from opportunities to express themselves, celebrate achievement and grow in confidence.
FAWever Choir
Not a facility, but equally as important, FAWever Choir is our inclusive signing and singing choir, giving pupils of all abilities a platform to perform and record music. Pupils use the choir to develop communication, confidence and self-expression, benefiting from shared performance opportunities that celebrate resilience, creativity and inclusion.
Therapy dogs
Our therapy dogs provide gentle, positive interaction for pupils and staff across the School. Pupils spend time with the dogs to support communication, emotional regulation and confidence, benefiting from calm companionship that can help them feel more settled, connected and ready to learn.
