CREATIVE ALTERNATIVE PROVISION

At Tivington Farm School, we recognize that some children with special educational needs (SEN) can find mainstream education overwhelming or difficult to access. That’s why we provide a calm, supportive, and engaging alternative provision for children in West Somerset, designed to help them reconnect with learning in a way that suits their individual needs. With over 50 years of combined experience in residential care and special school settings, our founders have deep expertise in supporting children with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. We specialize in assisting children who may feel dysregulated, anxious, or unable to thrive in a traditional classroom environment, ensuring they feel safe, understood, and ready to learn again. Our unique farm school curriculum offers a rich, therapeutic environment where children can learn through hands-on, meaningful experiences. Surrounded by animals and nature, children are encouraged to develop emotional awareness, self-regulation skills, and positive behaviour patterns—all while building their confidence in literacy, numeracy, and science alongside practical skills like cooking, carpentry, and art. At the core of our approach is the belief that every child can rediscover a love of learning. Through carefully planned activities and strong, trusting relationships, we help children grow in confidence, resilience, and self-esteem—supporting their journey back into mainstream education wherever possible. Tivington Farm School is situated on a working National Trust farm in Minehead, Somerset. While we are not a registered school and cannot be named on EHCPs, we collaborate closely with parents, schools, and professionals to deliver high-quality alternative provision tailored to each child’s needs. Our farm is home to a diverse range of animals—including chickens, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, ponies, reptiles, and small animals—as well as polytunnels, greenhouses, and vegetable plots. Children participate in caring for animals and growing produce, which helps them develop responsibility, teamwork, and an understanding of the natural world and 'farm to plate' processes. Our experienced and dedicated team is highly skilled in supporting children with additional needs and is fully DBS checked. Above all, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued, capable, and inspired to succeed.

On Monday and Tuesday afternoons, Tivington Farm School offers a rich and supportive environment that serves as an excellent alternative provision for children, particularly those who are home educated and may have additional needs. Our small, nurturing setting provides opportunities for children to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning through our farm school curriculum, which can be challenging to replicate at home. Activities such as animal care and handling allow children to develop empathy, responsibility, and confidence while learning to regulate their emotions in a calm, natural environment. By working with a diverse range of animals and participating in daily farm routines, children gain structure and purpose in each session, helping them build resilience and a sense of achievement. Furthermore, our practical carpentry sessions foster focus, problem-solving skills, and creativity in a safe, supportive way. These activities enhance what the child is learning at home, bringing education to life through real-world application and engagement through agriculture. With our experienced team, skilled in supporting children with social, emotional, and behavioural needs, each session is thoughtfully tailored to meet individual interests and abilities. For home-educated children, Tivington Farm School provides not only educational enrichment but also valuable opportunities for social interaction, teamwork, and personal growth, enabling them to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Play is a child's natural language, and at Tivington Farm School, we embrace this through our unique approach to alternative provision for children. We offer the opportunity to explore the benefits of play therapy with a professional therapist for parents and schools. Play therapy is a specialized form of therapy that utilizes specifically selected toys, mixed media, and the outdoor world to support children in their growth through play. By incorporating play into therapy, children can express themselves in their own way and at their own pace, all while being guided by a trained therapist in a safe environment. This method is particularly beneficial for those struggling to understand their feelings or articulate their experiences. Utilizing play allows children to explore their thoughts and emotions creatively, without the pressure of verbal communication. During sessions, children tap into their creativity and express themselves through various mediums, including drawing, painting, clay, sand tray activities, drama, puppetry, movement, music, and the outdoors. Discussing problems or past experiences can be challenging for children; they may lack the vocabulary to describe their feelings or behaviors, making it difficult to recognize or articulate their struggles. Play therapy offers the expertise and time needed to navigate these complexities through play. The sessions aim to build a child’s ability to develop healthy and resilient relationships, while also addressing traumatic experiences that may be occupying their minds. By using play and metaphor, children can engage in a safer and less intense manner to express themselves or explore their experiences. Non-directive play therapy supports children's autonomy by encouraging them to make choices about the pace and direction of their processing. They can select the mediums they wish to use, the toys they want to access, and they have the freedom to stop or change their play at any time, aligning with our farm school curriculum that promotes engagement through agriculture and holistic learning.

Hands-On Learning Your Pupils Will Never Forget! Our Exotic Animal Workshops offer an engaging way for children in alternative provision for children, bringing a captivating range of reptiles, insects, and exotic animals directly into your school. Children don’t just watch — they touch, handle, and interact with the animals in a safe and engaging environment led by experienced handlers. We Offer ✔ Live animal sessions in your classroom or hall ✔ Safe, supervised hands-on handling ✔ Engaging and interactive presentations ✔ Curriculum-linked learning with workbooks Children meet and identify animals, learn about where animals live, and build confidence through gentle interaction. They explore adaptation and survival, understand ecosystems and classification, and develop curiosity by asking questions. Why Choose Us? Minimal setup required, memorable hands-on experience with multiple handlers so all children get a great experience, and great Ofsted evidence of an exciting curriculum that supports classroom learning. Our workshops build confidence and curiosity, develop empathy, and encourage respect for animals, which translates into respect for people. Additionally, our programs can align with the farm school curriculum, incorporating elements of engagement through agriculture. CONTACT US TO SEE HOW WE CAN MEET YOUR SCHOOL'S NEEDS.

Bringing the excitement of exotic animal encounters into an adult care home can have a powerful and uplifting impact on residents’ wellbeing. Meeting unusual animals sparks curiosity, conversation, and a sense of wonder, helping to break up routine and create memorable shared experiences. For many older people, especially those who may feel isolated or disengaged, these visits can stimulate the senses, encourage communication, and rekindle joyful memories of nature, travel, or past pets. The presence of animals has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a calmer, more positive atmosphere throughout the home. Beyond enjoyment, exotic animal sessions can support emotional and cognitive health, similar to how alternative provision for children in educational settings enhances learning. Gentle, supervised interaction—such as observing, touching, or learning about the animals—can improve mood, increase engagement, and even enhance fine motor skills. These experiences provide meaningful opportunities for social connection, much like engagement through agriculture in farm school curriculum where individuals share reactions and stories with one another, staff, and visiting handlers. Overall, introducing exotic animal encounters into a care setting brings enrichment, comfort, and a renewed sense of excitement, helping residents feel more connected, stimulated, and valued.

WEDDING AND SPECIAL OCCASION DAHLIAS PICK YOUR OWN From June to September, we have the most amazing beds of dahlias in all colors. If you're interested in cutting your own flowers for a special occasion to keep costs down, come and see us. We facilitate visits for those seeking cut flowers for a wedding or special occasion, supporting engagement through agriculture and providing an alternative provision for children in our farm school curriculum. We're open regularly from June to September for the public to visit our dahlia beds and cut flowers for personal use. PUMPKINS In October and November, we offer a huge range of pick your own pumpkins to choose from.