The church school proving to be a godsend for troubled kids
Youngsters in Essex who are too disruptive for normal school lessons are taking advantage of a last chance to avoid permanent exclusion.
Frinton Free Church in Frinton on Sea has set up its own school and says it's filling a gap for students who've been branded 'unteachable'.
It's partnered with the national charity TLG or Transforming Lives for Good and has a small staff of teachers and volunteers who tailor lessons to the needs of each young person.
Staff say transforming the student's lives isn't always easy and they won't always succeed, but already a number of students have been able to resume lessons in a main steam school.
Ben Pratt: We help the students cope
But should the church have to step to provide this kind of facility? Isn't it the job of the local authority?
Jessica: one of the students
Jessica Guest is one student who has been attending the school. She told ITV about her previous behaviour " I wouldn't want to talk to anyone, and when they told me to do something I'd take it out on other people" But thanks to the help she's received at Frinton Free Church her situation has changed dramatically.
It's been a Godsend
The church school may be small but it's still run like any other, including being subject to OFSTED inspections.
Staff are christian but they welcome youngsters from all backgrounds, believers or not.
Though maybe thats not strictly true. because self belief is very much encouraged... as is showing students they have the power to transform their futures - if they really want to.
