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We receive lots of enquiries. Even if you hear we are full , please refer as we look at applications in the order they are received.
We offer sessions for young people for Primary & Secondary aged children from Years R- 6th Form. Groups are small structured groups, based around each young person’s needs.
We utilise the Forest School Practice and Fishing programme to support young people to be able to learn about, and better manage their social and emotional needs and behaviours. Over time this increases resilience and confidence and their ability to access their learning in a more academic setting. Children and young people that need extra support away from the traditional school environment and curriculum benefit from spending time in our safe space. We have specialist staff who have developed our outdoor activities to engage the individual. We encourage emotional regulation and give the child or young person coping strategies which support them in their school placement.
Referrals are made through the child’s or young person’s Local Authority or directly by the child’s named school. We will consider referrals from families outside of education, for example, Home Schooled children, on a case by case basis.
We ask that the placement is for a minimum of one academic term.
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All referrals are dealt with in the order of the date of the referral form being received. This then opens a conversation with the referring organisation and a meet and greet with the young person to ensure the young person is matched to the correct pathway.
We follow the 6 principles of forest school and believe children’s emotional development is a priority in helping them successfully access the curriculum. Through child-led activities, we encourage children to develop resilience and build their self esteem and confidence.
We have been described as injecting an “overdose of nurture” to children who struggle with their emotional regulation. We have designed activities that encourage a therapeutic approach to problems. We incorporate Zones of Regulation throughout our approach, encouraging an emotional toolkit to develop.
We provide the child’s setting with a daily ‘observation sheet’’ a short report, accessible online via our online platform. We feed this information back to the child’s placement at key points.
We will involve all interested parties in the child’s progress with regular reports and conversations. Site visits from professionals to observe the young person, can be arranged when necessary.
Our site consists of ancient woodland, fishing lakes, an allotment, and open spaces. We have an outdoor classroom, however most of our activity is outdoors. We have radios for keeping in touch with each other, ensuring our children are safe.
Our staff have years of experience working with children and families. We have regular safeguarding training and continuing CPD for all staff. Our staff are highly trained in outdoor first aid. A schedule of training and relevant safeguarding qualifications is available on request.
Our staff attend regular training sessions in areas such as Safeguarding, Child Protection, trauma informed approaches, mindfulness and first aid. Our handbook, risk assessments, policies, procedures and associated documents are available electronically on request as part of the referral process.
Who can access the provision?
Referrals are made through the child’s or young person’s Local Authority or directly by the child’s named school. We will consider referrals from families outside of education, for example, Home Schooled children, on a case by case basis.
When are the sessions?
Our sessions run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (Term Time only)
You can select 1-2 days.Time: 9:30/10.00 to 14.00
Parents and Guardians
To access the provision talk to your child’s Headteacher, SENCO or your Social Worker or Case Worker who may be able to refer your child to us.
Home School / EHE Parents
If you are a home school parent or a parent with a child out of education because of SEMH difficulties, fill in the referral form and tick the relevant section and we will be in touch.
I’m ready to refer, what do I do?
Complete our referral form below and select which route you are referring to and we will contact you by email usually within 24hrs to arrange a discussion and a site visit.
Simon is a skilled and passionate angler with a natural hunter’s instinct. Starting his journey at a young age in the Kentish Stour Valley, he mastered the local gravel pits before setting a British record at Conningbrook, landing the legendary Two Tone at 65lb 14oz. He later achieved the ultimate prize, Colnemere’s Black Mirror, and became the first angler to catch two English 60lb plus carp, including the renowned Chertsey mirror at 60.4lb in 2015.
With his infectious enthusiasm, extensive angling knowledge, and exceptional coaching skills, He will help inspire and support our young anglers at Cottington Lakes, helping them elevate their skills to new heights.
Colin has 7 years experience of working in a specialist SEMH school as a HLTA. In this role, Colin worked closely with young people with complex needs who face challenges in accessing their education, providing the support and tools they need to thrive.
Colin has over 3 years of experience as a Forest School Assistant Practitioner, and Outdoor Enrichment Lead, and is currently working towards his Level 3 Forest School Leader Award.
Colin is passionate about using the outdoors as a positive tool to implement positive opportunities for young people who need it the most. His experience not only lies in using the outdoor environment to improve the well-being of young people but also in building relationships and self-confidence within these young people.
Beyond his professional work, Colin has been a dedicated youth leader at his local church for over 8 years. In this role, he mentors and leads young people, guiding them through critical stages of their development.
Fishing at a Trail Blazers integrates practical outdoor skills with environmental education, offering our young people hands-on experience in natural settings. This activity can teach children about aquatic ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and responsible fishing practices.
It encourages a connection with nature, promotes physical health through outdoor activity, and can enhance social skills,resilience and teamwork as students learn together.
Fishing at Trail Blazers integrates practical outdoor skills with environmental education, offering our young people hands-on experience in natural settings. This activity can teach children about aquatic ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and responsible fishing practices.
It encourages a connection with nature, promotes physical health through outdoor activity, and can enhance social skills,resilience and teamwork as students learn together.
