Alternative Provision

 

Opened in 2014 to provide a riding school which prioritises the welfare of its’ ponies and students, we found that we were attracting children and young adults with anxiety, ASD, ADHD, PDA other SEN, and those who were home educated.  The way we teach has proven extremely beneficial to their confidence and communication skills and we have this side of our business further to offer alternative education provision to schools and home educators.

Set in six acres of pasture overlooking beautiful countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds near Crawley village we are easily accessible from Witney and the A40.

We can provide individuals or small groups with child centred, activity lead education using horses and the countryside to develop confidence, focus, communication skills, self-esteem, motivation, assertiveness, empathy, and to improve mental wellbeing and physical fitness.

Each session will be planned and reviewed by us in collaboration with the referring organisation and tailored to the individualstudents’ needs and required learning outcomes.  We already have our own ethical horsemanship curriculum in place to cover stable management, groundwork and riding, and could include the following as required:

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• ASDAN short course in animal care

• Trick training with the horses

• Liberty sessions with the horses

• Mindfulness classes

• NLP classes

• Level 1 Apprenticeship

 

Cost:

Individual £55 per hour. Discount for groups.

Available for up to 5 hours between 10am and 3pm Wednesdays-Fridays. 

Some pupils may need a member of staff to attend with them and this would be discussed with the referring organisation as part of the initial risk assessment.

We have a fully trained safeguarding officer and all of our staff are DBS enhanced checked and fire safety trained. 

There is at least one qualified first aider on site at all times.
 

Lead Coaches

 

Liz James, owner and founder of Witney Pony Partners. See the about me page.

 

Lorraine Spencer, alternative education lead.

 

Lorraine has helped out at WPP since it’s foundation and owns two of our ponies. 

She has a background in child care, domiciliary care and has worked with children and adults with SEN.  She spent three years

working with children with additional needs for the Children’s society, seven years as a childminder and ten years working with

people with mental health issues and additional needs.

Qualifications:

Level 2 Understanding autism

Level 2 Working with people with mental health issues

Level 3 Recognising and supporting children with SEN

Level 3 Managing behaviours 

Level 3 Diploma Children and young people's workforce