We offer Care Farm sessions to individuals, schools and homeschooled children, including some full day sessions for students aged between 8 and 18, here at our beautiful 64 acre farm in Henley in Arden, Warwickshire.
For students who suffer with anxiety, depression, have autism, ADHD, PDA or other similar complex needs, or those with low attendance or at risk of being expelled, and have a big love of animals, the outdoors or horticulture - Middle England Farm welcomes all.
Our Care Farming sessions gives students, who otherwise may struggle with the restrictions of the classroom, the opportunity to grow, learn, make friends and develop at their own pace, in a warm, fun environment. Activities include, spending time and caring for our animals, learning to work the land to grow fresh produce, pond dipping, hedge building, crafting with natural products, learning core skills through practical means, such as weighing animals and working out the food needed, plus so much more!
Our focus is on emotional well-being through contact with our animals such as alpacas, goats, pigs, sheep, meerkats, a giant tortoise, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens etc. Learning how to connect with the animals, enjoying their entertaining and gentle natures, feeding, stroking and learning how to take care of them. The conversation normally flows freely even from the quietest of individuals, as the animals provide such wonderful talking points.
We have a fully qualified teacher (who specialises in SEN) as part of our team. We also have two team members that have Autism and ADHD, so they and of course us, are very sympathetic and understanding to a student's individual needs. Our staff:pupil ratio is generally 4:1 or 3:1 and we are all enhanced DBS Checked of course. We follow the CEVAS code of Conduct and are registered with Social Farms and Gardens (formerly Care Farming UK) and Countryside Classroom.
Referrals can be made via schools, local authorities or private individuals.