Cognitive ANIMAL Learning Methods (CALMs)
At CALMs our programme is designed to offer learners support within a structured and calm environment, following our ethos of ‘Calm and Confident’. Ensuring individual learning needs are met in and outside the classroom. ASDAN Accreditation is attached to all of our learning outcomes and within our certificates of achievement!
Our sessions are available to young people who may have any of the following: learning difficulties and a statement of special educational needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), including challenging behaviour. As an Alternative Provision, we currently work with learners between the ages of 11 to 18 years old. However, we can offer tailored programmes to younger students, based on individual assessments.
All our educational programmes are designed to offer learners a host of animal experiences, surrounding the 5 Animal Freedoms approach to animal care. Our direct work, with children and young people is supported by a restorative and conflict resolution approach.
We believe by working in 1:1 or small groups with dedicated support our learners can thrive in an inclusive and calming environment. This allows them to gain self awareness, confidence and empathy which builds an understanding of consideration and communication. This is achieved through understanding animal welfare and needs while embedding functional and key skills.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
Stage 1:
Alternative Provision Animal Day
Stage 2:
Alternative Provision Animal Term: Arts, Crafts & Baking
Alternative Provision Animal Term: Alpacas
Alternative Provision Animal Term: Donkeys
Alternative Provision Animal Term: Horses
Alternative Provision Animal Term: Poultry & Birds of Prey
Alternative Provision Animal Term: Sheep & Goats
Stage 3:
Alternative Provision Animal Care
5 ANIMAL FREEDOMS
We aim to provide learners with the skills to understand empathy through caring for the animals and their needs. Highlighting the importance of the five animal freedoms and animal rights, we allow learners the space to reflect within themselves and identify the links with their own needs and emotions.
1. Freedom From HUNGER & THIRST
2. Freedom From DISCOMFORT
3. Freedom From INJURY OR DISEASE
4. Freedom To EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR
5. Freedom From FEAR AND DISTRESS
We work with a range of Schools including: Longdon Park School, John Port Spencer Academy, John Taylor Free School, ALP Nuneaton, Abbot Beyne School & many more!
“We have worked with Chris and his team at Charnwood Forest Alpacas since June 2017. The experience this has provided for our young people has been fantastic. Our students have a wide range of SEMH needs that can present as both highly anxious and at times confrontational and challenging. No matter what the needs of the student, Chris and the team have worked brilliantly to support and accommodate the needs of the students. The environment at the farm provides loads of opportunities for learning, but more than this, the team at Charnwood are able to bring the right mix of acceptance and challenge to support the students we accompany to the farm. This is a brilliant resource to our organisation and the fact that we continue to partner with them bears testament to that.”
Jan Appleton, Chief Executive Officer, Eagle's Nest Project Alternative Provision
”Frances has really understood my son’s needs well, and always tailors the programme to his capabilities on any given day. We are so happy with his support. Thank you.”
Helen Gwilliams, Parent
”The confidence you gave my daughter was brilliant - thank you, you pushed her out of her comfort zone on occasions too which I really appreciate.”
Amanda Dammers, Parent
“I want to be a Donkey hairdresser when I grow up”
Student, ALP Nuneaton
If you would like the above form in a different format or require assistance please fill in the contact us form below.
Payment
We require the full payment to be paid upfront. Based on this requirement, we will contact the finance team, to ensure that the payment can be paid before the date the student/s are due to start. If the payment is not received by the date agreed with the finance department and our team, the start date will be pushed back to the first week in the following Half-Term.
Arrival & Departure
Students must arrive at the time agreed by our team, if the student/s arrive before this time they will be asked to wait in the car park or Chilli Bean with a member of staff. If the student has arrived alone, a member of the AP Team will wait in the Chilli Bean with the student/s until the time agreed. If a staff member or taxi service is late collecting the student/s from the farm, we ask that you contact a member of the AP Team as soon as you are aware of the delay.
Student Absence
If a student is absent for any reason (including positive cases of COVID-19) the school must notify the AP Team prior to their planned start time. In order to fit in with Half Term this session will be classed as ‘missed’. If the student will no longer be attending the remainder of their sessions due to unforeseen circumstances, the school is welcome to fill the place with another student. The Initial Contact form and EHCP will need to be emailed to alternativeprovision@pukkapacas.com 24 hours before the next session.