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Our Therapeutic Approach at Abavia Alternative Provision
At Abavia, our alternative provision is built around a therapeutic model of education that prioritises emotional safety, relational trust, and personal growth—especially for young people with social, emotional or mental health (SEMH) needs, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), or school-based trauma.
We believe that healing and learning go hand in hand. Many of our learners arrive disengaged, dysregulated, or disconnected from mainstream education. By offering a structured, nature-rich environment rooted in care, consistency, and connection, we give every young person the space to recover their confidence, build emotional resilience, and re-engage with learning in a meaningful way.
Why the Farm?
The farm itself plays a central role in our therapeutic approach. Animals, plants, weather, and routine offer a natural framework for healing:
Trauma-Informed Practice
All staff are trained to work within a trauma-informed and attachment-aware framework, recognising how early experiences affect behaviour, learning, and relationships. We focus on:
We do not rely on rigid behaviour systems, detentions, or exclusionary practices. Instead, we foster relational safety, where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Therapeutic Outcomes Through Meaningful Work
Every farm task—whether collecting eggs, leading a goat, planting vegetables, or fixing a fence—is an opportunity for:
By embedding therapeutic intention into practical, purposeful activity, we help learners grow emotionally, socially, and academically in ways that feel relevant and real.
Therapeutic Staffing and Support
Our staff team includes:
Staff do not simply supervise – they co-regulate, coach, and connect, creating a safe relational foundation for each young person.
Our Vision
We don’t just aim to re-engage students with education—we aim to:
We believe that healing and learning go hand in hand. Many of our learners arrive disengaged, dysregulated, or disconnected from mainstream education. By offering a structured, nature-rich environment rooted in care, consistency, and connection, we give every young person the space to recover their confidence, build emotional resilience, and re-engage with learning in a meaningful way.
Why the Farm?
The farm itself plays a central role in our therapeutic approach. Animals, plants, weather, and routine offer a natural framework for healing:
- Caring for animals (e.g. feeding, grooming, mucking out) encourages empathy, patience, and emotional connection in a non-judgemental setting.
- Farm routines and structure provide predictability and a sense of purpose, which is particularly calming for those with anxiety, trauma, or attachment difficulties.
- Being outdoors promotes physical health, emotional regulation, and reduced stress levels.
- Working with the land gives students tangible outcomes for their effort, building pride and agency.
Trauma-Informed Practice
All staff are trained to work within a trauma-informed and attachment-aware framework, recognising how early experiences affect behaviour, learning, and relationships. We focus on:
- Emotion coaching and co-regulation, helping learners identify and manage feelings safely
- Positive relationships and trust-building, ensuring staff are consistent, attuned, and supportive
- Safe spaces for reflection and decompression, especially during times of distress or dysregulation
- Restorative approaches to behaviour, encouraging accountability without shame or punishment
We do not rely on rigid behaviour systems, detentions, or exclusionary practices. Instead, we foster relational safety, where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Therapeutic Outcomes Through Meaningful Work
Every farm task—whether collecting eggs, leading a goat, planting vegetables, or fixing a fence—is an opportunity for:
- Developing self-worth ("I can do this")
- Building resilience ("I keep going even when it's hard")
- Learning regulation through movement, breathing, or calm repetition
- Connecting with others in a natural, low-pressure environment
- Restoring a sense of capability and control
By embedding therapeutic intention into practical, purposeful activity, we help learners grow emotionally, socially, and academically in ways that feel relevant and real.
Therapeutic Staffing and Support
Our staff team includes:
- Trained key workers who offer regular check-ins, mentoring, and emotional support
- Specialist pastoral staff (or links to therapists/counsellors where available)
- Ongoing CPD in trauma-informed care, SEMH, non-verbal communication, and outdoor therapeutic approaches
Staff do not simply supervise – they co-regulate, coach, and connect, creating a safe relational foundation for each young person.
Our Vision
We don’t just aim to re-engage students with education—we aim to:
- Restore confidence and hope
- Equip learners with coping strategies and emotional tools
- Support pathways to post-16 training, employment, or further education
- Help each young person leave with more trust in themselves and in others
Mental Health and Wellbeing Approach at Abavia Alternative Provision
At Abavia Alternative Provision, we place mental health and emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. We understand that many of our learners have experienced trauma, anxiety, school-related stress, or unmet emotional needs. Our approach is preventative, relational, and therapeutic designed to support students to feel safe, understood, and emotionally supported so that they can re-engage with learning and personal growth.
For this to succeed it involves working alongside our own facilitators, tutors, CAMHS, Social Services, therapists, the Local Authority and other professionals and agencies, to ensure that the Mental Health of our learners is always priority, and our focus is on the children’s emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental well-being.
Our aspiration for our learners is that they are all able to work towards, and able to access a bespoke vocational curriculum that is designed to give the learner the ability to choose the right area of interest to avoid causing anxiety or stress to the learner.
For many learners who have been out of education for some considerable time or been excluded from previous schools the transition to Abavia can be difficult. We believe that by offering the right transitional space and learner led choices the learner’s journey starts with a positive foundation at Abavia.
Abavia does this by providing 6 key principles to our mental health approach in:
Outcomes We Aim For
Through our mental health approach, students will Feel safe, valued, and emotionally supported, improve self-regulation and coping skills, Build resilience and self-awareness, Reconnect with education and future pathways, Leave with greater emotional strength and confidence.
For this to succeed it involves working alongside our own facilitators, tutors, CAMHS, Social Services, therapists, the Local Authority and other professionals and agencies, to ensure that the Mental Health of our learners is always priority, and our focus is on the children’s emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental well-being.
Our aspiration for our learners is that they are all able to work towards, and able to access a bespoke vocational curriculum that is designed to give the learner the ability to choose the right area of interest to avoid causing anxiety or stress to the learner.
For many learners who have been out of education for some considerable time or been excluded from previous schools the transition to Abavia can be difficult. We believe that by offering the right transitional space and learner led choices the learner’s journey starts with a positive foundation at Abavia.
Abavia does this by providing 6 key principles to our mental health approach in:
- A Safe and Predictable Environment
- Relational Practice
- Emotion Coaching and Regulation
- Embedded Therapeutic Activities
- Early Intervention and Support
- Promoting Mental Health Literacy
Outcomes We Aim For
Through our mental health approach, students will Feel safe, valued, and emotionally supported, improve self-regulation and coping skills, Build resilience and self-awareness, Reconnect with education and future pathways, Leave with greater emotional strength and confidence.
Why Outdoor Learning Works... especially on the Farm
Supporting Your Child’s Growth at Abavia Alternative Provision
At Abavia, we believe young people learn best when they feel calm, confident, and connected and the farm is the perfect place for that. Every day, our students learn and grow through hands-on, outdoor experiences that support their mental health, wellbeing, and personal development.
Here’s how outdoor learning on the farm can help your child thrive:
Boosts Mental Health and Wellbeing
Builds Confidence and Purpose
Supports Social Skills and Relationships
Teaches Life Skills That Matter
Helps with Focus and Learning
A Safe, Supportive Place to Grow
If you’d like to visit the farm or talk more about how we support your child, please contact Josh on 07826 387387 or email Josh
At Abavia, we believe young people learn best when they feel calm, confident, and connected and the farm is the perfect place for that. Every day, our students learn and grow through hands-on, outdoor experiences that support their mental health, wellbeing, and personal development.
Here’s how outdoor learning on the farm can help your child thrive:
Boosts Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Nature helps reduce anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
- Being outside gives space to breathe, move, and calm down
- Our quiet, natural setting supports emotional regulation and relaxation
Builds Confidence and Purpose
- Taking care of animals or growing plants helps young people feel proud of themselves
- They can see the results of their hard work—something that’s often missing in traditional classrooms
- Your child is trusted with real responsibilities, and that builds self-belief
Supports Social Skills and Relationships
- Working alongside staff and peers on the farm encourages teamwork and communication
- Many young people find it easier to talk and connect when they’re doing, not just sitting
- Our team models respectful, caring relationships and builds trust gradually
Teaches Life Skills That Matter
- Students learn how to look after animals, grow food, use tools, and solve real problems
- They develop independence, timekeeping, and responsibility—skills that prepare them for work and life
- They gain confidence in everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and teamwork
Helps with Focus and Learning
- Movement and hands-on work help release energy and improve concentration
- Outdoor learning suits many learning styles—especially for students who struggle in a traditional classroom
- The farm offers a break from screens and pressure, helping students re-engage with education at their own pace
A Safe, Supportive Place to Grow
- Our staff understand trauma, anxiety, and school avoidance
- We build strong, trusting relationships with each young person
- On the farm, your child is seen, heard, and supported every step of the way
If you’d like to visit the farm or talk more about how we support your child, please contact Josh on 07826 387387 or email Josh
Short Courses
ASDAN programmes focus on completing challenges and skills according to individual ability and the development of social and life skills. ASDAN provides programmes and qualifications for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Asdan courses have been developed for learners with a wide range of learning needs and abilities and provide meaningful outcomes through a person-centred approach that prepares learners for adult life. We currently offer a Environmental Short Course, Gardening Short Course, Land-based Sector Vocational Taster, Careers and Experiencing Work Short Course At Abavia Students are free to make their own choice, from a number of courses on offer through ASDAN.
Our industry endorsed training is run by Lantra.
Lantra Awards’ industry leading training and qualifications are nationally recognised and highly respected. Developed by Lantra - in partnership with industry experts who know the sector inside out - our training is delivered by our trusted network of experienced Providers, Instructors and Assessors.
With an unrivalled selection of land-based courses, paired with a range of flexible delivery options, we’re your one-stop-shop for skills development and career progression.
Our industry endorsed training is run by Lantra.
Lantra Awards’ industry leading training and qualifications are nationally recognised and highly respected. Developed by Lantra - in partnership with industry experts who know the sector inside out - our training is delivered by our trusted network of experienced Providers, Instructors and Assessors.
With an unrivalled selection of land-based courses, paired with a range of flexible delivery options, we’re your one-stop-shop for skills development and career progression.
Personal Development
It’s important to us that each child feels included and valued. By offering a wide range of experiences we can ensure each young person’s talents are discovered and nurtured, including:
At Abavia, personal development is woven into every aspect of farm life. Through hands-on, real-world tasks, like caring for animals, growing produce, or working as a team to complete daily routines - students build confidence, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Our calm, outdoor setting supports mental wellbeing and encourages learners to explore their identity, manage emotions, and form healthy relationships. As they rotate through farm roles, students develop essential life skills, discover future career paths, and grow into respectful, capable young people ready for the working environment.
Our tailored vocational approach is designed to support students in:
We don’t just teach personal development - we live it, every day, on the farm.
At Abavia, personal development is woven into every aspect of farm life. Through hands-on, real-world tasks, like caring for animals, growing produce, or working as a team to complete daily routines - students build confidence, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Our calm, outdoor setting supports mental wellbeing and encourages learners to explore their identity, manage emotions, and form healthy relationships. As they rotate through farm roles, students develop essential life skills, discover future career paths, and grow into respectful, capable young people ready for the working environment.
Our tailored vocational approach is designed to support students in:
- Building self-confidence and resilience
- Developing emotional regulation and mental wellbeing
- Learning key life and work-related skills
- Understanding healthy relationships, safety, and future goals
- Becoming responsible, respectful, and active members of their community
We don’t just teach personal development - we live it, every day, on the farm.
Measuring Progress
All conventional schools are tied by legislation that dictates that students have to reach a certain level by a certain age. At Abavia we celebrate every individual achievement regardless of age or ability.
Each young person helps plan their own educational journey. They are able to explore and develop in a way that inspires them. Abavia’s vocational approach is showing tangible results and genuine development with all students confidence and skills. We pride ourselves on individual progress, whether that be in academic achievements, attendance, regulating behaviour in difficult situations, or managing fears and anxieties.
Each young person helps plan their own educational journey. They are able to explore and develop in a way that inspires them. Abavia’s vocational approach is showing tangible results and genuine development with all students confidence and skills. We pride ourselves on individual progress, whether that be in academic achievements, attendance, regulating behaviour in difficult situations, or managing fears and anxieties.
