What is Rural Care’s Schools and Colleges Programme?

Rural Care’s Schools and Colleges Programme provides an inclusive learning environment where students can learn, thrive and achieve together. We are based at Aldenham Country Park, a country park with visitor attractions and a small working farm covering 100 acres of beautiful countryside. The park offers a safe and secure environment where students can learn about farming, sustainability and nature. We work with mainstream and SEN schools to create tailor-made educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom that are exciting, practical, motivating and fun. 

Our Programme

Our farm is home to more than 12 different types of animals, ranging from rabbits and guinea pigs to sheep and cattle. Students can learn all about our animals and how to care for them, as well as the importance of sustainability on a farm and environmental issues that affect farm life. Our large allotment area gives students the opportunity to get their hands dirty, learn about the fruits and vegetables that we grow, and participate in the whole process of food production from planting to harvesting. Conservation of land, wildlife and resources are key considerations on a farm and students can learn about the ways in which we do this. Students can contribute to our efforts by helping us to recycle old pallets in woodwork activities as well as taking part in litter-picking walks and helping us to maintain wildlife areas around the park.

Our Programme Packages

We have four different programme packages available, which can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of your group. Our packages run from 9:30am-2:30pm, once per week, for the whole school year.

The Activity Package provides fun farm-based activities that allow students to access real farming and spend time in the great outdoors. Activities promote teamwork, organisation and independence and incorporate all aspects of farm life, from animal care and horticulture to woodwork and environmental conservation. We can accommodate a maximum of 10 students accompanied by a minimum of two school staff members.

Animal Assisted Therapy sessions are delivered on a one to one basis by our qualified staff. Each session lasts one hour and during that time, students will have the opportunity to bond with and care for our animals as well having the space and time to talk. We are able to accommodate four one-hour sessions within the package and we recommend each student attends between 6 and 12 sessions. We can accommodate up to four students per day and school staff members do not need to attend the sessions.

The Tailored Curriculum Package is perfect for schools and colleges who are delivering accredited courses in their setting and need support providing the practical elements of the course. We work with you to plan, resource and deliver activities based on the subject content you would like to cover and the activities and opportunities available on the farm. Examples of courses we are able to support include City & Guilds: Skills for Working Life units in animal care, agriculture, horticulture and conservation as well as ASDAN courses in animal care. We can accommodate a maximum of 10 students accompanied by a minimum of two school staff members.

As an approved NOCN centre, our qualified tutors are able to deliver and assess an Animal Care course where students can achieve a Level 1 Award in Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development, progressing to a Level 1 Certificate. Students will complete practical and theory work, gaining hands on experience in caring for a range of small and large animals while developing their teamwork skills and health & safety knowledge. This package is suitable for students aged 14+ and there are no formal entry requirements for students to undertake this qualification. All assessments are verified internally as well as externally by NOCN before being awarded as a digital certificate. We can accommodate a maximum of 6 students accompanied by a minimum of one school staff member. 

Cultivating Ideas for Growth

Our Schools and Colleges Programme connects students with the land around them through discussions, observations and hands-on activities led by our experienced staff. Working and learning in the great outdoors provides avenues for achievement as well as opportunities to develop independence and build self-esteem. Through successfully facing up to the challenges that outdoor activities provide, and overcoming fears and apprehensions along the way, young people make major strides in confidence, with implications for all aspects of their development. It contributes to their personal growth and social awareness and develops skills for life and the world of work.

Rural Care Day Provision

As well as our schools and colleges programme at Aldenham Country Park, Rural Care also runs a day provision that provides work-related experiences for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs in a supportive and caring environment. Co-Farmers are supported by our team of qualified and experienced staff to take part in purposeful activities while having fun and making new friends.

To find out more about our day provision, please click here.

Contact Us

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07788 251 721 for more information.