Stable & Wild Bursary Scheme - Parent Feedback

We are excited to announce that the Stable and Wild Bursary Scheme is OPEN again and this time we are aiming to help even more children and young people to access help and support through our animal assisted learning programme.

You can learn more about our Bursary scheme by clicking here.

You can also read about the experiences of last year's Bursary recipient below, and how their time at Stable and Wild has postively impacted their life.

1.        How did you find out about the bursary/alternative provision?  I attended a webinar workshop during Covid about nature activities for well being and since then was aware of the wonderful work you do. I reached out to Rachael asking more details about Stable and Wild and she explained the bursary was about to be launched. I have also used a couple of the Wild for Life kits for my children at home.

2.        Did you receive enough information before your young person joined the provision/how did you find the application process? Yes, the information provided was very comprehensive and I have always been impressed by the communication from S&W. The application process was very smooth, simple and clear.

3.        Do you feel your young person’s attitude toward learning has changed since joining the provision?

My daughter now understands that learning can take place in different environments and in a variety of ways and this is different for different people.

4.        Have you noticed any improvements in your young person’s wellbeing or behaviour?

She is beginning to be able to identify her feelings and verbalise these to us in reference to specific situations or anxieties. Being outside, with animals or with nature is hugely beneficial to her well being and mental health.

5.        Do you feel there is a part of the provision that has had the most positive impact on your young person? Do you feel there are specific strengths the provision has that has had this impact?

Without a doubt the most positive impact has been the relationship my daughter has built with her amazing coach. May’s gentle calm nature along with her patience, flexibility and understanding of her complex ways has meant that she has been able to work with her to build her emotional literacy in a unique bespoke way, and reflect on her anxieties and behaviours. This 1:1 time outside with May and the animals has meant that my daughter feels truly ‘seen’, safe and free.  Another true strength of the provision is the leadership and staff’s in depth knowledge and experience of how children and young people learn and grow, and how they can support them. It is very impressive how S&W’s therapeutic approaches are extremely varied, detailed and engaging.

6.        Has the bursary eased any financial pressures for your family? If so, how?

We would not have been able to access S&W without the bursary as my daughter does not have an EHCP and we or school could not pay.

7.        Do you feel supported as a parent/carer?

We have felt extremely supported by Rachael, Lisa and May and all of the staff at S&W. They have always been there for us to give advice, ideas and thoughts or help us with anything we may need. Rachael is extremely knowledgeable and a truly wonderful person, I have always been grateful of her time. 

8.        Are there areas where you feel the provision could improve?

Honestly, none that I can think of. Apart from being more available to more children who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to go to an alternative provision.

9.        Do you feel your young person is being well-prepared for the next stage of their education or life?

Lots of my daughter's sessions focussed on reflecting on situations that had happened that week and thinking about and preparing for the next time that might occur. What is so brilliant is the social and life skills aspect too- real life learning.

10.   What has been the most valuable part of this experience for you and your young person?

To know that there are wonderful supportive people and oragnisations, who truly care about the individual child, who are doing everything they can to support these children to cope with life and education. To experience an alternative way of learning and growing (and how wonderfully beneficial that can be) that is aside from the usual mainstream school system.

11.   Is there anything you would like to see added or changed? I think Rachael should open an alternative education setting/ ‘school’!

12.   Do you have any final comments/feedback for the provision? A ‘thank you’ will never be enough, we feel so extraordinarily lucky to have experienced S&W. To have had this time, built these relationships, experienced this environment and given my daughter the space to be her. And most of all you have given us hope. Oh and we now have two new pet guinea pigs of our own! S&W you are a truly special place.