Reachout Farm Project
Working with the close support of one-to-one mentors, Reachout Farm Project offers young people aged 5 – 16 years old a change from the classroom and school environment, helping regulate emotions, restore calm, and reflect on difficult or challenging circumstances, to be better prepared to face the demands of the school day, to re-engage with learning and increase social skills and confidence.
A typical day consists of activities such as:
- Egg collecting, washing and sorting
- Sheep, Goats and Alpaca feeding
- Rabbits and Guinea pig feeding
- Enclosure cleaning
- Changing bedding with straw/hay
- Small jobs around the farm such as fixing fences etc
- Potting plants
- Perimeter and woodland monitoring
- Seasonal jobs (lamb feeding & vegetable collection)
We provide:
- Full day 10-3 farm-based placements (inclusive of transport time)
- One to one mentoring and support throughout the farm stay
- Additional support from the staff of Rural Care, all DBS checked and familiar with working with vulnerable children, young people, and adults.
- A menu of activities giving opportunities to take on roles of responsibility around the farm, carefully chosen to maximise potential for success, build confidence and increase self-esteem.
- Opportunities for personal reflection in a secure setting, through focused one to one work exploring what is going well, what is a challenge, what they would like to change.
- Close liaison/communication with those commissioning our services as well as parents or carers.
- Progress reviews with each young person taking part in the Reachout Farm Project
- Time bounded placements, agreed in advance, which support other forms of alternative provision or attendance in mainstream or specialist settings.
- Waterproof jackets for outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Transport to and from Church Farm can be provided on a charge per mile basis.
Children & Young People who may benefit from the Reachout Farm Project
- Those aged 5 – 10 years (Key Stage 1 & 2)
- Those aged 11 – 16 years (Key Stage 3 & 4)
- Those supported at SEN Support or with an Education, Health & Care Plan
- Children & young people looked after.
- Children & young people educated other than at school (EOTAS)
- Children & young people on part-time timetables, suspended or with previous suspensions, or excluded or at risk of exclusion.
- Children & young people with poor school attendance, or at risk of disengagement
- Children & young people with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Our site is located at Church Farm, Ardeley, SG27AH (10 minutes past Stevenage) https://www.churchfarmardeley.co.uk/