Our farm-based alternative provision offers children and young people opportunities to reconnect with learning, develop confidence and build practical skills in a supportive outdoor environment.
Based at our working farm in Kent, we provide personalised educational experiences for learners who may find traditional classroom settings challenging, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, or difficulties engaging with mainstream education.
Through animal care, horticulture and meaningful farm activities, we help learners develop confidence, independence, communication and practical skills while working towards individual educational and personal development goals.
Our provision can complement a young person's existing education arrangements through part-time placements tailored to their needs.
Friends of Frampton Farm is a Kent County Council (KCC) approved external education provider, offering flexible, part-time learning opportunities designed to complement individual education arrangements. We welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities and families seeking suitable alternative provision.
Sessions tailored to each learner's interests, abilities, support needs and individual goals.
Develop knowledge and skills through meaningful activities involving animals, farming and nature.
Support confidence, emotional wellbeing and positive engagement through achievable experiences.
Choose from nature-based education, practical farm learning or recognised vocational qualifications.
We recognise that traditional classroom environments do not meet the needs of every young person. Our alternative provision offers a different approach, using practical activities, supportive relationships and the natural environment to encourage positive engagement with learning.
Our sessions may be suitable for learners with SEND or SEMH needs, those experiencing emotionally based school avoidance, reduced school attendance, difficulties with social interaction or challenges engaging in conventional education.
We work with schools, local authorities, families and other professionals to identify individual learning goals and consider appropriate support arrangements.
Our approach is flexible and responsive, allowing activities to be adapted to the learner's confidence, abilities and readiness to participate.
Every referral is considered individually to ensure that the farm environment and available support are appropriate for the young person.
Enquire About Alternative Provision
We offer three flexible approaches to alternative education, allowing programmes to be tailored to individual learning needs, abilities and goals.
From supportive nature-based experiences to practical farm education and recognised vocational qualifications, each pathway provides opportunities for learners to develop skills, confidence and independence.
Programme availability, delivery arrangements and fees may vary between Frampton Farm and Poppies Farm.
Our nature-based sessions provide a calm, supportive environment where learners can build confidence, develop positive relationships and engage in practical activities without the pressure of formal assessment. Through gentle interaction with animals, horticulture and outdoor experiences, learners can develop communication, responsibility and emotional regulation skills at a pace that suits them.
Designed for learners who benefit from structured practical learning but may not yet be ready for a formal qualification.
Learners participate in everyday farm activities, including animal care, feeding, cleaning, horticulture and general farm maintenance. Sessions develop practical knowledge, independence and workplace-related skills, with opportunities to achieve individual AQA Unit Awards.
For learners ready to work towards recognised qualifications, we offer City & Guilds programmes in animal care and other land-based subjects.
Courses combine practical training with the required theory and assessment. Depending on the qualification and individual needs, learning may be delivered through one-to-one tuition, small groups or flexible and hybrid arrangements.
Learners can take part in meaningful animal care activities, including feeding, preparing bedding, cleaning accommodation and supporting everyday husbandry routines.
Working alongside our animals provides opportunities to develop responsibility, confidence, communication and practical skills while learning about animal behaviour, health and welfare.
Activities are selected according to individual abilities, interests and safety considerations.
Our horticulture areas provide opportunities for learners to develop practical skills through planting, growing, maintaining garden areas and harvesting seasonal produce.
Activities encourage problem-solving, teamwork, patience and independence while helping young people understand the natural environment and where food comes from.
Seasonal projects provide meaningful opportunities to experience achievement through practical work.
Every learner has different starting points and goals. We recognise progress in many forms, from increased confidence and engagement to developing practical skills and achieving recognised certificates or qualifications.
Recognise individual achievements through assessed practical learning in animal care, horticulture and farm-based activities.
Work towards recognised vocational qualifications at a suitable level, subject to individual readiness and assessment requirements.
Celebrate progress in confidence, communication, independence, engagement and everyday life skills.
Support learners to develop skills and explore appropriate next steps in education, training or vocational learning.
We welcome referrals and enquiries from schools, local authorities, parents, carers and professionals seeking suitable alternative education opportunities for children and young people.
Our provision is designed around individual learning needs, with flexible options available across Frampton Farm and Poppies Farm.
Fees vary depending on the learning centre, type of provision, session duration and individual support requirements.
We provide personalised quotations based on the learner's needs and the proposed programme. Please contact our team to discuss availability, fees and suitable arrangements.
Placements may be funded privately or commissioned by schools and local authorities, subject to individual arrangements and funding approval.
For young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who are not attending school, our provision may also be considered as part of an agreed Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) package.
Any EOTAS provision and associated funding must be agreed by the responsible local authority.
We welcome enquiries from families and professionals wishing to explore suitable learning opportunities.
Friends of Frampton Farm is a Kent County Council approved external education provider, a City & Guilds approved centre and a holder of the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.
Our provision offers flexible, part-time placements designed to complement a young person's existing education arrangements, with sessions tailored to individual needs and goals.
We understand that choosing alternative provision is an important decision and that every young person has different needs.
We encourage parents, carers, schools and referrers to arrange a pre-visit to explore our learning environments, meet the team and discuss the learner's individual circumstances and educational goals.
During the visit, we can consider suitable activities, support requirements, session arrangements and potential learning pathways.
As Frampton Farm is a working farm situated on a hillside with uneven ground, some areas may not be suitable for learners with significant mobility difficulties. We encourage families and professionals to discuss any accessibility or additional support requirements before arranging a placement.
Our aim is to ensure that each placement is appropriate, supportive and offers meaningful opportunities for the young person.
Practical Education Beyond the Classroom
Providing practical, farm-based education, recognised qualifications and alternative learning opportunities at Frampton Farm in Kent and Poppies Farm in Berkshire, helping young people develop confidence, independence and skills for the future.
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