The Apricot Centre
Who we are
The Apricot Centre is a sustainable farm and wellbeing service for young people and their families. We specialise in the wellbeing benefits from actively engaging with land, food, creativity and nature.
Who we support
We support children, adolescents and families who are dealing with the complex life circumstances that are common in adoption, fostering and care as well as those with special educational needs.
Alternative Education Provision
The Apricot Centre offers full or part-time alternative education provision and therapeutic mentoring for young people aged 6-18 who are struggling to attend school and/or are experiencing social and emotional challenges, including anxiety and depression.
Our approach focuses on activities on our farm and experiences in nature. Nature based activities support children and young people to:
- regulate stress and emotions
- lower anxiety
- build confidence and sense of competence
- enhance healing from physical trauma
- access a state of mind for curiosity and learning
The young people who access our service are matched to experienced therapeutic mentors who work alongside the child and their family to develop a plan of focused activities to meet their emotional and behavioural needs. We use therapeutic interventions and measurable approaches to strengthen their inner resource in order to build confidence for everyday family, school and personal life.
Our programmes focus on the development of coping skills in order to start their education journey, rather than providing traditional study. Activities include growing/harvesting food, cooking, caring for chickens or cows, arts, crafts, music, forest school and bushcraft activities.
We believe the most effective approach to promote positive behaviour, social development and boost self-esteem is to offer one-to-one and small group sessions that support young people to identify coping strategies. Evidence suggests that once a young person has learned to regulate their emotions, increased attendance and attainment soon follows.
Programmes run for 12 weeks at the farm and the timetable is based on the individual child's needs. We are also able to provide weekly mentoring at the farm and can support transitions to onward provisions.
Who to contact
- Contact Name
- Rachel Phillips
- Contact Position
- Education and Wellbeing Managaer
- Telephone
- 01803 762253
- rachelphillips@apricotcentre.co.uk
- Website
- https://www.apricotcentre.co.uk/
Where to go
- Name
- The Apricot Centre
- Address
-
Huxhams Cross Farm
Rattery Road
Dartington
Totnes
Devon - Postcode
- TQ9 6AA
Other Details
Costs
- Table of costs
-
Table of costs Amount Cost Type £35 per hour - Details
- Prices start from £35 per hour
Availability
- Age Ranges
- From 6 years to 18 years
- Other notes
What the provision offers
Support for learners with low to moderate special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
We support young people with a variety of needs. We are not specifically a SEND focused provision but our team can work with Education Psychology reports and Education, Health and Care plans.
Developing self esteem, self confidence and resilience to be able to access further alternative provisions or return to a mainstream school
Our sessions are designed with young people and their families to give them the time and space to explore their emotions in a creative, safe and inspiring environment. Together we develop a toolbox of coping strategies to enable them access further alternative provisions or education.
Preparation for adulthood
Our service empowers young people with coping strategies as well as many practical and transferable skills for adulthood and independent living including growing, harvesting and cooking food. We work with young people who are anxious about leaving their parents/carers for short periods of time. Together we start the process of growth into more independent young adults.
Managing transitions
We support periods of transition by working closely with young people, parents and agencies. Through regular discussions we ensure transitions are as positive as possible in order to reduce anxiety and build confidence for the next phase of a young person’s education journey.
Progression
Progress is monitored through regular discussions with the young person, family and commissioners to reflect and plan for the next session. Communication is important to make changes as appropriate and to celebrate progress. We can report to multi agency meetings to share progress towards outcomes if required and will provide regular written reports.
Inclusion Information
Wheelchair Access
- Details
- Yes
Special Needs
- Has Provision
- Yes
Dietary Needs
- Has Provision
- Yes
Cultural Provisions
- Has Provision
- Yes
Local Offer
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