We have really enjoyed delivering these fully funded sessions to groups from South Bromsgrove, Droitwich Spa and Waseley Hills High Schools and to our own secondary students.
It gave us the chance to explore ways we can support social, emotional and mental health alongside learning key animal care skills and supporting academic outcomes too.
Two members of staff (a ‘digital educator’ and a licenced ‘Gardeniser’) ran activities on our community care farm where students could spend time with our animals, but also access learning through iPads. The Bubble became the outdoor classroom and focus-point for the project and students had access to the farm and gardens for a range of activities, such as learning how to do small animal health checks, canine communication and mindfulness meditation with horses.
The impact on participants was so positive. Students reported feeling more positive, more relaxed and more confident. Attendance was improved. More importantly, relationships with staff and peers were strengthened and students felt more connected and confident.
We were so impressed with the enthusiasm and engagement of all of our groups and we are continuing to offer this group working model to schools who wish to support students struggling with attendance or wellbeing.
The project ran in Italy and France at the same time and it was fascinating to compare our approaches.
Get in touch if you would like to find out more about group sessions at Gloverspiece!
