GREAT TRETHEW TREKKING ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROVISION

Provision Options for Schools and Referring Agencies

Great Trethew Manor, Horningtops, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 3PY

At Great Trethew Trekking Alternative Education Provision, we provide a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where young people can develop confidence, practical skills, social skills, and emotional wellbeing through equine-based activities.

Students are supported throughout the day by experienced staff in small groups, ensuring that individual needs can be met and positive relationships can be developed.


OPTION 1: STANDARD ALTERNATIVE PROVISION DAY

Daily Activities

Students attending our Standard Alternative Provision programme participate in a variety of practical equine activities designed to develop confidence, responsibility, communication, and teamwork.

Activities may include:

  • Horse and pony grooming
  • Tacking up and untacking
  • Learning how to mount and dismount safely
  • Stable management and mucking out
  • Feeding and watering horses and ponies
  • Field maintenance and yard duties
  • Health and welfare of horses
  • Building confidence around animals
  • Developing communication and teamwork skills

Riding Session

Each student participates in approximately one hour of riding during their session.

To provide a varied learning experience, riding activities are rotated weekly and may include:

  • Riding lessons in a controlled environment
  • Supervised hacks and countryside rides

Benefits for Students

Students have opportunities to:

  • Build confidence and self-esteem
  • Develop responsibility and independence
  • Improve attendance and engagement
  • Learn practical life skills
  • Develop communication and social skills
  • Improve emotional wellbeing
  • Experience achievement and success

OPTION 2: EQUISCHOLARS QUALIFICATION DAY

Equine Learning with Accredited Achievement

The Equischolars Programme combines all the practical benefits of our Standard Alternative Provision with structured learning leading towards recognised certificates and qualifications.

Students take part in practical equine activities whilst also completing learning modules focused on equine knowledge, personal development, and life skills.

Course Structure

  • Delivered in half-termly blocks
  • Each half term focuses on a different topic
  • Approximately 6–8 weeks per course
  • Flexible learning adapted to age and ability
  • Practical and classroom-based activities where appropriate
  • Final assessment and review week
  • Laminated certificate awarded upon completion

Delivered by a Qualified Practitioner

The Equischolars Programme is delivered by a dedicated Equischolars Practitioner who:

  • Holds ABTC-ATI qualifications
  • Is a certified Equischolars Practitioner
  • Holds a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma
  • Has additional SEND training and experience

All course materials, resources, assessments, and certification are provided as part of the programme.

Practical Activities Include

  • Horse care and management
  • Grooming and tacking up
  • Stable management
  • Feeding and welfare
  • Riding lessons and hacks
  • Field maintenance
  • Teamwork activities
  • Practical learning and discussions
  • Qualification-based learning modules

Benefits for Students

Students can:

  • Gain recognised certificates
  • Build confidence and resilience
  • Improve communication skills
  • Develop employability skills
  • Learn responsibility and teamwork
  • Experience success through practical learning
  • Work towards accredited achievements in a supportive environment

Staffing and Student Support

Student wellbeing and safety are at the heart of everything we do.

  • Small group provision
  • Typically 3–4 students per staff member
  • Additional staff available throughout the day
  • Flexible support for individual needs
  • Opportunities for students to take time away from the group if required
  • Approximately 12–16 students on site throughout the day

This approach allows us to provide a calm, nurturing environment where students can feel safe, valued, and supported.


Outcomes for Young People

Our provision aims to help students:

✓ Increase confidence and self-esteem

✓ Improve attendance and engagement

✓ Develop positive social relationships

✓ Build resilience and emotional wellbeing

✓ Learn practical and transferable life skills

✓ Develop responsibility and independence

✓ Experience success in an alternative learning environment


Contact Information

Elizabeth Walke
Great Trethew Trekking Alternative Education Provision

📧 greattrethewtrekking@gmail.com

📞 07714 099127

 

Alternative Provision at Great Trethew Trekking

Approved by Cornwall Council | Ofsted Registered | ABRS+ Affiliated

At Great Trethew Trekking, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, learn, and grow — in a setting that supports their individual needs. Our Alternative Provision programme, approved by Cornwall Council, offers a safe and nurturing environment where young people can build confidence, develop skills, and find joy through meaningful interaction with horses and nature.


What is Alternative Provision?

Alternative Provision (AP) offers education and support outside of a traditional classroom environment. It’s designed for children and young people who may benefit from a more practical, therapeutic, or flexible approach to learning.

At Great Trethew Trekking, our programme combines equine-assisted learning with personal development activities, creating an inclusive experience that encourages growth, resilience, and wellbeing.


Who We Support

Our Alternative Provision is open to:

  • Children and young people aged 5–18 who are educated through schools, home education, or specialist settings.

  • Those who may find mainstream education challenging or benefit from additional emotional, social, or sensory support.

  • Individuals who thrive in hands-on, outdoor environments that promote calm and connection.

We work closely with schools, parents, carers, and local authorities to tailor each placement to the individual’s goals and abilities.


What We Offer

Our sessions are led by experienced, caring staff who are passionate about helping young people flourish. Depending on each learner’s needs and interests, activities may include:

  • Equine Care & Handling – Learning about pony behaviour, grooming, feeding, and stable management.

  • Riding Lessons – Building coordination, focus, and confidence in the saddle.

  • Groundwork & Communication Skills – Developing trust, patience, and empathy through gentle interaction with horses.

  • Nature-Based Learning – Exploring our 30-acre site through outdoor projects and mindfulness in nature.

  • Life Skills & Teamwork – Encouraging independence, responsibility, and cooperation.

Each session can be adapted to suit educational objectives, emotional support plans, or individual learning outcomes.


Our Approach

We prioritise safety, wellbeing, and inclusion in everything we do. Our team works within Ofsted and ABRS+ guidelines and maintains close communication with referring professionals and families.

Sessions are delivered in small, supportive groups or on a one-to-one basis, ensuring every learner receives the attention and encouragement they need to succeed.

We celebrate every milestone — big or small — whether it’s mastering a new riding skill, caring for a pony independently, or simply feeling calm and confident in the moment.


How to Access Our Provision

Referrals can be made directly by:

  • Schools or education providers

  • Parents and carers

  • Local authority or SEND teams

We’re happy to discuss placements, visit requirements, and individual support needs.
To learn more or to arrange a visit, please get in touch with our friendly team.

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