Specialist college where learning develops communication, literacy, numeracy, and independence through a horse based curriculum.
Specialist college where learning develops communication, literacy, numeracy, and independence through a horse based curriculum.
General Description
Our residential course (usually of 3 years duration) enables people between 16 and 25 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities who are motivated by horses, to learn in an equine environment. Students learn on and around the stable yard with the horses; learning is then transferred into an understanding of life skills in everyday situations.
Students have a range of learning, emotional, behavioural and medical needs, with the key criteria being their horse motivation. We have students working from Pre-entry to GCSE level.
Catchment Area
We are a national provider and accept students from across the UK.
Curriculum
Students participate in an active outdoor day all year round. Involvement with horses follows a structured routine and students have individual learning plans. Horse-based teaching and learning uses a transferable skills process which is then embedded within an extended practical curriculum that includes vaulting (mounted gymnastics), self care, personal development and independence training, literacy, numeracy, (including money management), communication skills and health and fitness. Differentiated work experience placements are tailor-made for each student. The course develops an individual's ability to communicate and learn to accept responsibility and relate to others. Students acquire equine vocational skills and can achieve accredited and/or internal certification.
Specialist Facilities
Equine/equestrian facilities
Specialist Physiotherapists
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Our expertise
We have expertise in meeting the needs of students with:
- Moderate learning difficulties
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Expertise in meeting the needs of students who have specific learning difficulties
- Communication difficulties
- Asperger syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Emotional difficulties
- Behavioural difficulties
- Mental health needs
- Expertise in meeting the needs of students who have been affected by abuse or personal trauma
- Epilepsy and/or associated neurological conditions
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Our curriculum
We offer:
- A specialised land-based curriculum
- A personal development programme
- Opportunities for students to participate in community activities and to learn about citizenship
- A programme to enable students to learn more about themselves and how to form relationships
- Opportunities to experience real work situations
- Opportunities to explore a range of living options after college
- A programme to help students to look after themselves more independently
- Opportunities to use and develop information technology skills
- Opportunities to prepare for further training after college
- Opportunities to prepare for work after college
- Opportunities to develop strategies to promote appropriate behaviour
- Opportunities to take part in a wide range of social, leisure and sporting activities
- A social skills programme
- A transition programme into supported or open employment
- Opportunities for work experience
- Opportunities to improve literacy, numeracy and/or communication skills
- A transition programme into independent living
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Our specialist services
- In-house physiotherapy
- Sessions to improve posture and mobility
- Specialist training to enable independent travel
- Guidance and counselling services
- Registered with the Care Quality Commission / Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales
- Residential provision linked to the academic year
- Help with finding suitable long term provision
