GCF Training: Developing Alternative Provision on care farms

Description of course: This course is an introduction to delivering Alternative Provision on a care farm or other green care site - i.e. an alternative curriculum for young people and children who have a defined need. 

The developing Alternative Provision course will explore how care farming can be provided to meet the needs of school age children requiring alternatives to mainstream education. Care farming has proved to be an effective medium for this user group, using meaningful physical activity in a social situation with the possibility of working towards a land-based qualification. The course will describe how to explore and assess local demand for this provision and how to form relationships with schools and Local Education Authorities.  It will also look at procedures involving examining bodies to become an accredited centre for course provision, so that qualifications can be offered (where appropriate).  You will learn how to create activity sessions that meet the needs of this group, how these fit into a typical day, and how to plan over a longer period.  Consideration will be given to assessment, attendance, outcomes and progression. The specific needs of this group regarding engagement, managing group dynamics and building resilience will also be discussed. We will also describe where further information about the subject can be found and how SF&G support the expansion of care farming through the GCF resources and care farming Code of Practice.

Who should attend: Care farmers, prospective care farmers and green care providers who would like to offer Alternative Provision on their care farm as part of an education programme.

Format: Face to face learning, 9.30am for a 10am start - running until 4pm

Location: Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Leeds

Delivered by: Thrive 

Cost: During the pilot phase of the Growing Care Farming project this face to face course will be offered free of charge to participants who are located in England -  on a first come, first served basis.

Booking is essential as spaces are limited and we will need to know numbers for catering requirements.