This course creates a calm, creative and supportive learning environment for young people aged 11–15 who are experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Our weekly programme is designed for students who have become overwhelmed by the pressures of mainstream education and need a gentler, more personalised approach to reconnect with learning. We understand that anxiety can make school feel impossible. Our aim is to reduce pressure, rebuild confidence, and help young people feel safe in learning again.

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Who Is This For?

This programme is suitable for students who:

• Are in Years 7–10 (ages 11–15)
• Are experiencing EBSA or significant school-related anxiety
• Previously engaged well in school or have good academic potential
• Have become withdrawn from education due to overwhelm or anxiety
• Would benefit from a smaller, calmer learning environment
• Can work within a small group setting with low levels of support

This programme is not designed as a 1:1 specialist provision and may not be suitable for young people who require constant individual support or intensive intervention.

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Our Approach

This part-time programme is designed around project-led learning, focusing on wellbeing, confidence, and meaningful engagement rather than pressure and performance.

We believe that learning happens best when young people feel safe, understood, and emotionally regulated.

Students will be encouraged to work at their own pace, without fear of failure or comparison. We focus on rebuilding trust in education through positive experiences, supportive relationships, and practical learning opportunities.

The programme is intended to support young people in rebuilding confidence, emotional regulation, and engagement with learning as part of a wider reintegration journey.

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What the Day Will Include?

Functional Skills English and Maths

Students will have opportunities to develop practical English and Maths skills in ways that feel accessible, achievable, and relevant to everyday life. Learning will be personalised and adapted to each student’s starting point and confidence level. Qualification opportunities will be offered if appropriate for the student.

Project-Led Learning

Our project-based approach encourages curiosity, creativity, independence, and real-world problem solving. Projects may include practical tasks, creative activities, teamwork, outdoor learning, and hands-on experiences designed to make learning feel purposeful and engaging again. There is the potential for qualifications in Animal care, Horticulture, Conservation or Bronze/Silver Arts Award if this is right for the student. No pressure will be put on any student to enter for these exams if they do not want to.

Learning Through Animals and Nature

Animals, gardening, and outdoor spaces are an important part of our learning day. Many young people experiencing EBSA find traditional classroom environments overwhelming. Spending time with animals and engaging in nature-based activities can help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and create a sense of calm and connection.

Learners may take part in:

• Animal care and interaction
• Gardening and growing projects
• Outdoor practical activities
• Teamwork and responsibility-building tasks
• Mindful and calming nature experiences

These experiences help build confidence, routine, communication skills, and emotional wellbeing in a gentle and supportive way.

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Our Goal

Our goal is to help young people:

• Reduce anxiety around learning
• Rebuild confidence and self-esteem
• Reconnect with education in a positive way
• Develop independence and life skills
• Feel successful and capable again
• Move towards sustainable reintegration into learning

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Practical Information

Day and Times

Sessions will run each Tuesday during term time. The dates for the first half term and second half term are shown below.

Sessions run from 10am to 4pm to allow for a gentle start to the day for both students and their families.

Term 1 – 8/9/26, 15/9/26, 22/9/26, 29/9/26, 6/10/26, 13/10/26

Term 2 – 3/11/26, 10/11/26, 17/11/26, 24/11/26, 1/12/26, 8/12/26

Location

All sessions take place at Ambleford. For more details on how to find us please click here.

Group Size

The group will have limited spaces available to ensure a calm and supportive environment. Our maximum number in a group will be 8 to ensure that everyone has the time they need. The group will also be mixed age in support of the theory that learning in a community is far more beneficial than in a 12 month window of age. Differentiation will be done by need and not purely by age.

Cost

£120 per session/day. Parents pay for a term at a time with 6 sessions on average in each term and 6 terms in a year.

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Referrals and Enquiries

We welcome conversations with parents, carers, schools, and professionals who would like to explore whether this programme may be suitable for a young person.

For further information, referral details, or to arrange an informal conversation, please get in touch.

This programme operates independently from Ambleford School and is designed as a part-time educational support and reintegration provision for young people experiencing EBSA.

NB -Students attending this programme are not enrolled pupils of Ambleford School.