our approach

Support students to obtain a CPD training in the animal sector

We are dedicated to supporting students in obtaining CPD certification in animal sector. It is important for children and young people to have the opportunity to earn and have training for a CPD certification in this field, as it instills confidence in their abilities. We work closely with our students through our providers giving them the necessary care and resources, so that they can successfully complete the course and receive their certificate. This not only boosts their confidence in animal learning, but also in their academic pursuits. We are committed to providing full assistance to ensure the young person achieve their CPD certificate. 

COURSES 

Animal care, Animal biology, Animal science, Animal behviour, Animal psychology, Animal Management, Animal communcation, Animal therapy, Horse care stable management, Equine feeding and nutrition, Equine behaviour, Animal First aid and CPR, Pet nutrition.

The course is accredited through CPD Certifcation Services, so upon completion of the course, students will have an industry recognised CPD to show case to academic institutions or to add to their portfolio or CV 

CPD - Continued Personal Delevopment 

long term placements are required for CPD, short term are suitable

Holistic therapeutic approach to personal development

We pride ourselves with holistic therapeutic approach to personal development, especially when working with children and young people. We understand that personal growth encompasses not only the mind but also emotions and actions, and we strive to help individuals explore the interconnectedness of these aspects.

We recognise the importance of providing them with a safe and nurturing environment where they can freely express themselves. Our approach involves incorporating nature and animal-assisted therapy as powerful tools for self-reflection and self-awareness.

By engaging with nature, whether through outdoor activities, gardening, or simply spending time in natural surroundings, children and young people can connect with the world around them in a meaningful way. Nature has a way of calming the mind, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of peace and tranquillity. It allows individuals to step away from the pressures of everyday life and find solace in the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.

We offer opportunities for children and young people to work with animals. Interacting with animals has been proven to have numerous therapeutic benefits, including promoting empathy, improving social skills, and enhancing emotional well-being. Animals provide a non-judgmental space where individuals can freely express their emotions and build a sense of trust and connection.

Through these experiences, children and young people can gain a deeper understanding of themselves. They learn to recognise how their thoughts, emotions, and actions are interconnected and how they influence their behaviour. This self-awareness is crucial for personal development as it allows individuals to make conscious choices and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

In addition, we also provide various therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to each individual's needs. These may include breathing’s techniques, art therapy, mindfulness practices, and group activities that encourage communication and collaboration.

We firmly believe that personal development is a lifelong journey, and by incorporating a holistic approach, we aim to equip children and young people with the necessary tools to navigate their lives with resilience, self-confidence, and a deep understanding of themselves and their place in the world helping them reconnect back into mainstream school and learning. 

Green Care Nature based learning 

Nature-based learning green care for young people and children offers a range of benefits, fostering holistic development and a deeper connection with the environment. Here are some of our activities, and benefits:

Gardening and Growing Your Own Food: 

Benefits: Teaches responsibility, patience, and provides hands-on experience with the natural growth cycle. Encourages healthy eating habits.

Building Camps and Dens:

Benefits: Develops teamwork and problem-solving skills. Enhances creativity and resourcefulness. Fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Outdoor Art:

Benefits. Inspires creativity and imagination. Allows self-expression through various art forms. Connects art with the natural surroundings.

Plant Exploration 

Benefits: Encourages curiosity and a love for nature. Teaches about different plant species and their characteristics. Promotes environmental awareness.

Nature Walks and Exploration

Benefits: Enhances observation skills. Fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation for biodiversity. Supports physical activity and overall well-being.

Birdwatching 

Benefits: Sharpens observation skills. Encourages patience and focus. Develops an understanding of ecosystems and bird behaviour.

Outdoor Games:

Benefits. Promotes physical fitness. Enhances social skills through teamwork and friendly competition. 

Nature Journaling:

Benefits: Develops writing and observation skills. Encourages reflection and mindfulness. Creates a personal connection with the natural world.

Wildlife Interaction:

Benefits: Instills empathy and respect for animals. Teaches about ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. Promotes responsible behaviour around wildlife.

These hands-on approach to learning also enhances problem-solving skills, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Nature-based learning not only imparts practical skills but also nurtures a sense of stewardship for the environment, instilling values that contribute to the well-rounded development of young individuals.

Over all nature-based learning offers a holistic approach to education and personal development for young people and children. By immersing themselves in the natural environment, they gain valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences that enhance their physical, mental, and emotional growth.

Farm care based learning 

Farm-based learning farm care for young people and children provides a unique and hands-on educational experience, centered around the care of animals and sustainable farming practices.  Here's information about the benefits and various aspects of farm-based learning:

Animal Welfare and Care 

Benefit: Instills empathy and responsibility. Teaches the importance of compassionate care for living beings. Fosters a connection with animals.

Feeding and Watering Animals 

Benefits: Develops a sense of routine and responsibility. Teaches the significance of proper nutrition for animals. Encourages mindful resource management.

Clean Housing and Bedding 

Benefits: Promotes cleanliness and hygiene. Teaches organisational skills in maintaining animal living spaces. Creates a comfortable and healthy environment for animals.

Health and Well-being 

Benefits: Encourages awareness of animal health indicators. Teaches the importance of regular check-ups and preventive care. Instills a sense of duty towards the well-being of animals.

Grooming Needs 

Benefits: Enhances hands-on skills in grooming. Encourages bonding and trust between animals and caretakers. Teaches the significance of cleanliness for animal health.

Sustainable Farming Practices: 

Benefits: Teaches the importance of sustainable agriculture. Connects farming activities to broader environmental concepts. Fosters an understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

Beyond the practical aspects of farm-based learning, we also offer therapeutic grooming sessions for children to spend one-on-one time with the animals. This interaction provides a therapeutic and calming experience, allowing children to develop a deep connection with the animals. Grooming sessions have been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve emotional well-being. It also encourages empathy and compassion as children learn to understand and respond to the needs and emotions of the animals.

Overall, our farm-based learning program offers children a unique and enriching experience. By actively participating in the care of animals, children develop practical skills, a sense of responsibility, and a deeper understanding of the natural world. The therapeutic benefits of spending time with animals further enhance their personal growth and emotional well-being. Through this holistic approach, we aim to foster a love for animals, nature. 

Regular Updates to school 

We believe in maintaining regular communication with schools to provide updates on the progress of the children or young people in our care. This is crucial for facilitating their smooth transition back into mainstream school. By keeping these communication pathways open, we ensure that both the young person and the school are informed and involved in the process. This collaborative approach allows us to work together as a team, prioritising the best interests of the child's education and overall well-being.

Nurture Support 

The benefits of nurture support, along with working with animals, and being outdoors offer to children's and young people mental well-being, emotional health, and academic success, it is crucial to address any negative behaviours or issues that may arise. By addressing these actions and nurturing their hearts, we can further support children's overall development and well-being.

Addressing Negative Behaviours:

While spending time in nature and working with animals can have a positive impact on children, it is essential to address any negative behaviours that may arise. This can be achieved through open communication, setting boundaries, and providing guidance. For example, if a child displays aggression towards an animal, it is crucial to teach them empathy, respect, and appropriate ways to interact. By addressing negative behaviours early on, we can help children develop positive relationships with nature and animals. 

Nurturing Their Hearts:

In addition to addressing negative behaviours, it is equally important to nurture children's hearts and cultivate a sense of compassion, kindness, and empathy. Engaging in activities that promote empathy, such as volunteering at our animal farm or participating in conservation projects, can help children develop a deep connection with animals and the environment. By fostering a sense of responsibility and care for living beings, we can instill values that extend beyond their immediate surroundings and back into school. 

Encouraging Reflection and Self-awareness:

To further support children's emotional growth, it is essential to encourage reflection and self-awareness. By engaging in activities such as journaling, outdoor art, mindfulness exercises, or discussions about their experiences in nature, children can develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and thoughts. This self-reflection allows them to identify any negative patterns or behaviours and work towards personal growth and positive change.

Promoting Positive Role Models:

Children often look up to adults and peers as role models. By surrounding them with positive influences who demonstrate empathy, compassion, and respect for nature and animals, we can inspire and guide them towards positive actions. Encouraging children to engage with mentors, educators, or staff leaders who embody these values can have a profound impact on their own behaviour and outlook on life.

Behaviour Improvement:

Engaging in nature-based activities and working with animals can have a profound effect on children's behaviour. The calming and peaceful environment of nature helps reduce stress, anxiety, and aggression. Interacting with animals promotes empathy, responsibility, and self-control. By addressing negative behaviours and nurturing positive values through these experiences, children can develop improved self-discipline, emotional regulation, and social skills. This, in turn, leads to better behaviour in the classroom and a more conducive learning environment for all students.

Enhanced Concentration:

Spending time in nature and working with animals has been shown to improve attention span and cognitive abilities. The sensory-rich environment of the outdoors stimulates the brain and enhances focus. Interacting with animals requires concentration and observation, promoting mental engagement and improving concentration skills. By integrating these experiences into alternative provision programmes, children can develop the ability to concentrate for longer periods, leading to improved academic performance when they are in mainstream school.

Academic Success:

The benefits of nature, animal interaction, and outdoor activities extends beyond behaviour and concentration. These experiences also enhance children's overall academic success. By engaging in hands-on learning experiences in nature, children develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, ecological systems, and environmental conservation. This practical knowledge translates into improved academic performance in subjects such as biology, geography, and environmental studies. Additionally, the emotional well-being fostered through these experiences creates a positive mindset, which is crucial for effective learning and academic achievement.

Smooth Transition back into Mainstream School:

Our Alternative provision programs provides a supportive environment for children to develop the necessary skills and mindset to transition back into mainstream school successfully. By addressing behavioural issues, improving concentration, and fostering a love for learning, children are better equipped to adapt to the structured environment of a traditional school setting. The positive experiences and skills gained during alternative provision can help children build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging, enabling them to thrive academically and socially in their mainstream school also equip them with the necessary skills and mindset to excel in the classroom and enjoy being a pupil. 

We can significantly assist children in transitioning back into mainstream school and becoming better students. The therapeutic benefits of these experiences can positively impact their behaviour, concentration, and overall academic performance.

Lunch Provided 

During lunchtime, we encourage our young participants to take charge of their own nourishment. They will have the chance to use the ingredients they have grown with care or explore new recipes using fresh, wholesome ingredients. By actively participating in the process, they will not only develop valuable culinary skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the connection between food and their overall well-being.

We believe that healthy eating is essential for their growth and development. By preparing their own lunches, they will learn how to make nutritious choices that fuel their bodies and promote good health. They will discover the joy of creating delicious and nourishing meals, and understand the importance of balanced nutrition.

Rest assured, we will provide all the necessary ingredients and guidance to ensure their lunchtime experience is both educational and enjoyable.

Volunteering Pathway

The Volunteer program has been a tremendous success, thriving for over four years now. The children actively participate in this program, finding joy in dedicating their time at the Farm. They not only learn valuable skills but also feel a sense of worth and appreciation. They gain a deep understanding of the significance of volunteering and how it positively impacts their lives. Engaging in various tasks, such as tending to vegetables and working closely with animals, they truly embrace the essence of this experience.

Additionally, all volunteers begin their journey with us, providing them with a solid foundation for their involvement. Some of these dedicated individuals eventually progress to become team leaders and supervisors, showcasing their exceptional skills and commitment. Moreover, this program also opens doors to potential employment opportunities, allowing them to further develop their passion for the Farm and continue making a meaningful impact.