Kyle, Garry, Phoebe, Bella, Haydn and Curly form the strong team that is the Ratcliffe family. 

In 2016, The Ratcliffe Family were privileged to be part of the BBC’s flagship show, DIYSOS, when the community came together with Nick Knowles and the team to rebuild their family home. Garry and Kyle Ratcliffe’s four adopted children had outgrown their family home, due to their increasing level of special needs and disabilities, and the house built by DIYSOS really did future-proof the family, setting up the whole family to remain together, well into adulthood.

Garry and Kyle were both overwhelmed by the generosity of the whole community, and wanted to give something back – which is how Curly’s Farm began.

“Curly’s Farm” is named after Curtis – or Curly to his friends and family. Curly is now 14 (nearly 15) and has a wide range of special needs and disabilities. Garry and Kyle wanted to create a space where every child, regardless of their personal circumstances, would be welcome.

Curly has cerebral palsy, as well as epilepsy, scoliosis and severe breathing difficulties, which means his life is limited. Curly’s brother is Haydn, 22, who also has cerebral palsy, and a range of other conditions. The boys have two sisters – Bella is 18 and has Downs Syndrome, and Phoebe (who is Bella’s biological as well as adoptive sister) is 14 and attends a local grammar school. The Ratcliffe Family children represent children who are all welcome at Curly’s Farm – whether as part of the school, a member of Young Farmers, or attendees at one of the many farming clubs.

Garry and Kyle are both passionate about giving children and young people the best provision possible at Curly’s Farm, and both use their extensive experience to make this possible. Garry is the CEO of a multi academy trust of eight primary schools, and takes an active role in the strategic development of Curly’s Farm. Kyle draws on his experience within education, health and social care to lead the charity and school as Head of Provision and Headteacher.

Garry, Kyle, Haydn, Bella, Phoebe and of course Curly want to thank everyone for their support of Curly’s Farm and hope to see you soon!