Nature, Land & Animal Care Pathway
(Entry Level 3)

The Nature, Land & Animal Care Pathway is a practical, outdoor-based learning programme for young people aged 12–16. It is three separate qualifications delivered in one full day per week over an academic year, the course combines meaningful hands-on experience with nationally recognised Entry Level 3 Open Awards qualifications.

This programme is designed for learners who thrive outside the classroom and benefit from small groups, real responsibility, and learning by doing. It is particularly well suited to home-educated learners and young people who may find mainstream school environments challenging.

Who This Course Is For

Enjoy working outdoors and with animals

Learn best through practical, hands-on activity
Are home educated or seeking an alternative to mainstream school
Would benefit from a calm, supportive learning environment
Are interested in animal care, horticulture, conservation, or land-based work

No prior qualifications or experience are required.

What Learners Will Achieve 3 Qualifications:

Working at their own pace, but typically over 12 months, learners will work towards three nationally recognised Open Awards Entry Level 3 qualifications:

Entry Level 3 Award in Animal Care Skills

This qualification introduces learners to the safe, responsible care of animals, covering basic health checks, feeding routines, and developing confidence working with animals – including goats, chickens, bees and dogs.

Entry Level 3 Award in Horticulture Skills

This qualification develops practical skills in growing and caring for plants, including planting, maintenance, tool use, and an understanding of sustainability in outdoor environments.

Entry Level 3 Award in Introductory Conservation Skills

This qualification focuses on caring for natural spaces, teaching learners how to use tools safely, manage habitats, and understand environmental conservation in a practical, hands-on way.

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What We Do Each Week

Each full day includes a balanced mix of:

Animal care routines and welfare checks
Horticulture activities such as planting, growing, and maintaining areas
Conservation and habitat work
Safe use of tools and equipment
Teamwork, problem-solving, and practical projects
Reflection and portfolio evidence building

Sessions are structured but flexible, allowing learners to work at an appropriate pace and respond to seasonal opportunities.

How the Course Is Delivered

One full day per week during term time
Small group sizes
Delivered outdoors in a real working environment
Led by experienced staff
Inclusive and supportive approach

The programme runs over one academic year, allowing learners to complete all three qualifications at a steady, achievable pace.

Safety and Safeguarding

Learner safety and wellbeing are central to everything we do.

First aid provision on site
Appropriate staff-to-learner ratios
All staff DBS checked
Comprehensive risk assessments in place
Safe, supervised tool use
Animal welfare at the heart of all activities

Attendance and Commitment

To successfully complete the qualifications, learners are expected to:

Attend regularly
Engage with practical activities
Take part in portfolio evidence building.

We understand that flexibility is important for families and are happy to discuss individual circumstances.

Progression and Next Steps

This course provides a strong foundation for:

Increased confidence and readiness for future learning or work
Further land-based or animal care study
Level 1 vocational courses (which we will also offer)
College-based programmes at 14–16 or post-16

6 Reasons This Course Is Different

Unlike school, college, or short-term clubs, this programme offers:

Weekly, full-day delivery
Learners attend one full practical day each week, allowing time for meaningful outdoor work without rushing or overwhelm.
Accredited outcomes
Young people work towards nationally recognised Entry Level 3 Open Awards qualifications through practical, portfolio-based assessment.
Small groups and individual support
Small group sizes ensure learners are known well and supported at a pace that suits their needs.
Real responsibility and practical skills
Learners take on genuine tasks such as caring for animals, using tools, and maintaining land, building confidence through real responsibility.
A calm, non-pressured learning environment
The course is delivered in a supportive setting that values steady progress, wellbeing, and learning without exam pressure.
Learning by doing in a field they truly care about
Learners spend each week gaining real, practical experience in animal care, horticulture, and conservation, building skills in areas that genuinely interest them.

Course Fees

The course fee is £1,020 per term (based on a 12-week term), payable termly or by monthly instalments.

Our fees are fully inclusive, meaning there are no hidden or additional costs.

What’s included in the price:

Ongoing monitoring of progress and support for each learner
Weekly, full-day tuition delivered by experienced staff
Small group learning with individual support
All tools, equipment, and materials
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) where required
All animal care, land management, and practical activity costs
Registration, assessment, and certification for all Open Awards qualifications
Portfolio assessment with no exams

By offering an all-inclusive fee, we aim to provide clarity, consistency, and high-quality provision without unexpected extras, allowing families to focus on their child’s learning and wellbeing.

Course start: April 2025

To receive early information, full details, and priority booking, please complete the form below:

Nature, Land & Animal Care Pathway (Entry Level 3)