Information for Teachers

Referrals

Referrals can be made directly to Greatwood from schools or Local Authority professionals by telephone or email.
We do occasionally take referrals directly from parents but we would prefer to involve schools or Local Authority professionals in the process – our focus is collaborative working.
Greatwood takes small groups of children from Key Stage One to Four for the Horse Power programme (maximum group size - 8 pupils).
We also undertake work with individual children to help boost confidence and promote levels of self esteem.
Greatwood can tailor programmes for pupils or students with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, MLD, EBD, complex learning difficulties, attachment disorder, anxiety or low self esteem.
We particularly welcome referrals for withdrawn students or those lacking in confidence.
We have a programme for primary aged gifted and talented students including a discussion and debate group on the ethics of rescue and rehabilitation.
We have a polytunnel and growing area including an apple and pear orchard to support horticultural projects.
Greatwood can offer whole class sessions using our ancient woodlands, wildflower meadow and pond to support National Curriculum topics. We have over 200 acres of beautiful Wiltshire countryside to act as an ideal outdoor classroom.

Each Horse Power programme comprises a set of structured, multi-sensory activities that are designed especially for children aged 3-19 with special needs. The programme is designed in line with the newly introduced six school terms. Each group of children come to Greatwood for one morning each week, for six weeks, accompanied by their teaching staff. Groups are kept small to make them as personal as possible but large enough to allow for team games and social interaction. Each programme is tailored to the learning styles and needs of the children and their school’s methods where appropriate.

Activities
Activities include grooming, mucking out, feeding the horses as well as tasks around the stable yard. This is supported by classroom work to place practical tasks in context and to consolidate understanding. We also offer environmental activities such as den building, tracking, pond dipping and bird spotting.

Special Needs Experience
A qualified special needs teacher and teaching assistant based at Greatwood delivers the programme content; liasing with teachers from our partner schools and deliver the programmes to the children. Wiltshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council have accredited the Health and Safety, Risk Management and Child Protection procedures.

“Each pupil has benefited on an individual level… a fantastic and worthwhile experience.”
Rowdeford School

“She has gradually shown signs of empathy and consideration for others – an area where she struggles because of autistic spectrum disorder.”
Lavington School

The Cost
Due to the current financial climate, Greatwood, effective January 1st 2011, now charges a fee for all pupils attending each Horse Power session. For more information regarding these fees or to discuss possible funding please call Melanie Gee on 01672 514535.

We would also appreciate it if schools would become a “Friend of Greatwood” at a cost of £5 per month, not only will this support Horse Power but it will enable us to continue our work rescuing vulnerable racehorses. As a “Friend” you will receive our quarterly newsletter and other benefits.