About Us
Bale’s Farm offers a therapeutic outdoor learning provision for young people between the ages of 10 and 19 with the aim to re-engage and re-inspire them with learning. We particularly identify those young people who are currently unable to attend school, have no school placement and either have an EOTAS package and AP's are in place alongside tuition, are on a re-integration package to a new provision or whose current placement is not working out and they come to us for some SEMH support alongside attending their current placement.
The provision is based at a smallholding in Daccombe, where we have a range of indoor and outdoor spaces to use and there are a variety of animals including chickens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs. Bale's Farm is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am until 3pm.
Our ethos is to provide a safe, calming and welcoming environment to help young people realise and reach their full potential.
Outdoor Learning
The practical nature of the programme puts core subjects into context; maths and science become useful to the activities and the results are tangible. The farm will also provide an opportunity to learn practical life skills, develop independence whilst teaching the importance of responsibility. Our young people will also be given the chance to undertake a range of ASDAN qualifications in (including but not limited to) - gardening, life skills and animal care and welfare.
In our allotment area the children can engage in land work, learning and understanding the process of growing their own fruit and veg. The children will also have the opportunity on a daily basis to feed the animals, take them for walks, cuddle with them and learn all about them – their diet, their habitat, how they grow and more.
There is elements of traditional Forest School too, using the land that we are based on to go on nature walks, build dens, go stream/pond dipping, cooking on a campfire and learning about how to conserve the environment. Young people will also be able to take part in a variety of nature inspired crafts, ideas, experiments and games.
Many of these activities will aid the foundation blocks for reinforcing the need to share, providing a sense of fairness, encouraging giving and receiving and engaging in positive social interactions.
Our team are well versed in a variety of communication methods including Makaton and PECS as well as using visual aids and gestures to support the spoken word, we will ensure we offer the appropriate support to each individual.
Also in our team we have our incredible assistance dogs - Bale, Grace, Arthur, Peach, Slinky and Bonnie on hand to provide that bit of canine companionship and animal assisted activities.
Learning
At Bale's Farm we provide a diverse selection of courses designed to nurture the growth of our students' skills and knowledge. Explore the courses we offer below to discover how we can enrich your educational journey.
Functional Skills
Functional skills qualifications are available in Maths, English and ICT. They are designed to provide students with practical knowledge that can be directly applied to real-world scenarios. This type of qualification is key to building foundations for learners to progress into their specialist skillsets.
OCN Lifeskills
OCN Lifeskills offers a range of practical courses designed to provide young people with the essential skills needed to navigate daily life and future workplaces confidently. From enterprise and digital skills to communication and personal development, OCN Lifeskills equips learners with the knowledge and tools to enhance their well-being, improve employability, and foster independence. With a focus on real-world application, these courses are ideal for young people looking to build foundational skills, while transitioning to the next phase of their education.
ASDAN
ASDAN offers a comprehensive suite of engaging, accredited programs designed to support personal development and academic achievement for learners of all ages. With a focus on practical skills, our ASDAN courses cover a range of subjects including food wise and animal care. These flexible programs help young people build confidence, enhance problem-solving abilities, and prepare for life beyond education, while also fostering key skills like teamwork, communication, and self-management. For young people and those with additional needs, ASDAN provides a valuable framework for growth, learning, and success.
Communication Development
Our communication development sessions are designed to support young people in enhancing their communication skills. These interactive sessions focus on building confidence, expanding language comprehension, and promoting effective expression. Tailored to each individual's needs, our communication development sessions cover a wide range of topics, from basic language foundations to conversational skills and expressing emotions. By providing a nurturing and supportive environment, these sessions help young people master the essential skills they need to communicate clearly and confidently.
