send farm care sessions

A unique and enriching experience designed to provide children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) the opportunity to connect with nature, interact with animals, and reap the therapeutic benefits of farm life.

Our farm sessions are carefully crafted to cater to the diverse needs and abilities of children with SEND, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can explore, learn, and thrive. Here's what a typical session might entail:

Animal Interaction: Children will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on interaction with a variety of farm animals, including gentle goats, friendly sheep, and curious chickens. Guided by our experienced staff, they can feed, pet, and interact with the animals, fostering a sense of connection and empathy.

Animal Care and Responsibility: Through age-appropriate tasks and activities, children will learn about the importance of caring for animals and the responsibilities involved. From grooming and feeding to cleaning and mucking out, they can participate in simple chores that promote independence, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Therapeutic Petting Sessions: Spending time with animals has been shown to have numerous therapeutic benefits for children with SEND. Our therapeutic petting sessions provide a calming and sensory-rich experience, helping to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and regulate emotions. Children can stroke the soft fur of a rabbit, listen to the rhythmic purring of a cat, experiencing the soothing power of animal companionship.

Miniature Horse Therapy: Our farm is home to gentle and affectionate miniature horses that have been specially trained to provide therapeutic benefits to individuals with SEND. Children can interact with these majestic animals through grooming, leading, and gentle exercises, experiencing the soothing effects of equine-assisted therapy. The rhythmic motion of walking alongside a miniature horse can help children improve balance, coordination, and sensory integration, while also boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Sensory Exploration: Take a leisurely stroll through the farm's picturesque surroundings, immersing yourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Children can explore sensory-rich environments such as flower gardens, herb patches, and wooded trails, engaging their senses and promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

Educational Activities: Our farm sessions offer opportunities for experiential learning across various subjects, from science and biology to math and literacy. Children can observe animal behaviour, learn about life cycles and habitats, and participate in farm-themed games and storytelling sessions, promoting curiosity, critical thinking, and language development.

Social Interaction and Communication: Farm sessions provide a supportive setting for children to practice social skills and communication with peers and adults. Whether it's working together to complete tasks, sharing experiences with others, or expressing themselves through interactions with animals, children can develop interpersonal skills and build positive relationships in a nurturing environment.

Overall, our SEND Farm Sessions offer a holistic and inclusive approach to learning and well-being, providing children with SEND the opportunity to connect with nature, animals, and each other in meaningful and transformative ways. Join us and experience the joys and benefits of farm life first-hand!