Wild Minds Alternative Provision

02/06/2026

Acorn House

A smaller environment can make a big difference.

Acorn House provides a calm and structured learning environment where young people can access personalised support, functional skills, vocational learning and mentoring.

For many learners, reducing pressure and rebuilding trust is the first step towards re-engaging with education.

Referrals are accepted throughout the year.

Submit a referral:
https://www.wildminds.pro/referrals

02/06/2026

Cookham Lodge

Preparing for adulthood starts with real life.

At Cookham Lodge, learners develop practical skills including cooking, budgeting, cleaning, travel training, gardening, work experience and independent living skills.

These experiences help young people build confidence and prepare for adult life.

If you are a school, local authority or parent looking for a specialist placement, we would be happy to discuss how Wild Minds can help.

Referral form:
https://www.wildminds.pro/referrals

01/06/2026

Did you know?

Sheep like Monty can recognise up to 50 individual faces and remember them for years.

Working alongside animals provides opportunities to develop confidence, responsibility, empathy and emotional regulation in a way that feels natural and engaging.

It’s one of the reasons animals play such an important role at Wild Minds.

www.wildminds.pro

30/05/2026

At Wild Minds, we do things differently.

Many of the young people referred to us have struggled in traditional educational settings. Some have experienced anxiety, school avoidance, trauma, unmet SEND needs, bullying, or simply lost confidence in themselves and learning.

Our approach is built on three simple principles:

💙 Regulation First
Young people cannot learn when they do not feel safe.

💙 Relationship Always
Trust is the foundation for growth and change.

💙 Growth Through Understanding
Behaviour is communication, not character.

Through therapeutic education, animal-assisted learning, mentoring, vocational pathways and meaningful real-world experiences, we help young people feel safe, understood and empowered to thrive.

We support learners aged 11-25 through our Academy, Post-14 and Post-16 pathways.

If you are a parent, school, local authority, social worker or professional looking for an alternative approach, we’d love to hear from you.

🌐 www.wildminds.pro

📩 Referrals welcome: https://www.wildminds.pro/referrals

Alternative Provision • Supporting young people aged 11–19 • Therapeutic education • Nature-based learning

30/05/2026

🌿 Learning Through Real Responsibility

One of the things that makes Wild Minds special is that our young people are involved in real, meaningful tasks every day.

Whether it’s caring for animals, stacking hay, maintaining paddocks, supporting with horse care or helping keep the site running smoothly, students develop confidence, practical skills and a sense of responsibility.

Learning happens naturally when young people are given opportunities to contribute, succeed and see the difference they make.

That’s what therapeutic, hands-on education is all about.

🌐 www.wildminds.pro

30/05/2026

🐴 Thank You Siobhan

A big thank you to Siobhan, our fantastic barefoot trimmer, who visits Wild Minds every five weeks to care for the feet of our 10 horses and ponies. 🐴

Regular hoof care is essential to keeping horses healthy, comfortable and moving well. Just like us needing regular visits to the dentist or podiatrist, horses require ongoing hoof maintenance throughout the year.

Our horses and ponies live natural herd lives and being barefoot allows their hooves to function as nature intended, supported by regular trimming and careful management.

Thank you, Siobhan, for helping keep our herd happy and healthy.

🌐 www.wildminds.pro

30/05/2026

🚜 Thanks Ed!

A huge thank you to Ed for delivering another load of hay to Wild Minds this week. 🌾

Our animals get through an incredible amount of hay throughout the year, and reliable local farmers like Ed help keep everyone fed and happy.

Many people will remember the hay shortages and soaring prices we experienced last year due to poor weather conditions. Farmers across the country faced significant challenges producing enough quality forage.

We’re hoping the forecast rain next week will help the grass grow, top up water supplies and support another productive season for local farms.

Thank you, Ed, for all your hard work and support. We really appreciate it.

🌐 www.wildminds.pro

30/05/2026

🐷 Hi Bernard!

Bernard has been making the most of the sunshine this week and keeping cool in his favourite wallow! ☀️💦

Did you know that pigs don’t sweat like humans? They rely on mud wallows to help regulate their body temperature and protect their skin from the sun. A good wallow is essential for pig welfare, especially during warmer weather.

Large Black pigs are one of Britain’s rare native breeds. Known for their gentle temperament, intelligence and distinctive floppy ears, they are often called the “dog of the pig world” because they enjoy human company and interaction.

Bernard certainly enjoys plenty of attention from our students and team!

Find out more about Wild Minds:
🌐 www.wildminds.pro

30/05/2026

Some young people start by watching.

No pressure to perform. No forced interaction. Just time, space, and a steady adult nearby.

That is often where trust begins.

Students can attend up to three days a week, with a consistent timetable and a regulation first approach.

If you are exploring a placement, message us or enquire via www.wildminds.pro

30/05/2026

A good Animal Care course is not about cuddles.

It is about welfare, observation, safe routines, and doing the right thing when it matters.

This is a husbandry day on the farm. Handling is purposeful and kept to what is needed for the animal's wellbeing.

We also follow LIMA principles. We do not force contact for comfort or photos. When an animal chooses to come over, we notice and respond. When they do not, we give space.

Students can attend up to three days a week and work towards accredited outcomes alongside regulation first support.

If you are a school or local authority looking for an Animal Care pathway within a therapeutic provision, message us and we will talk it through.

www.wildminds.pro