An Alternative Provision For Your Child
Yew Tree Farm School offer individual or group sessions for students that are home educated, currently out of education or that need some time outside of the classroom.
One-to-One Sessions
School Nurture Groups
Weekly sessions at the farm are hugely beneficial for all students, especially if they are struggling to engage in the classroom. Each week the group will build confidence and develop their skills in animal care, forest skills, and a variety of researched based outdoor learning. The sessions are highly rewarding and increase learner wellbeing and enthusiasm both whilst at the farm and within the school environment.
Some students need to build confidence in themselves before tackling the social anxieties of being around others, and for those students we provide a bespoke plan based on their individual needs.
"Our son has been attending for over a year; it has had a lifechanging effect on him and we couldn’t be happier with the results. His wellbeing has improved immeasurably and it has allowed him to engage in socially-mediated learning in a way that would not have been possible in any other setting. The experiences he’s had have taught him about animal care and helped him to cope with social interactions. The farm is such an important part of his life now!”
We currently have students funded by both Kent County Council and Medway Council and are a registered provider with both local authorities. In addition, we have students visiting us weekly funded by their schools to help support them with their learning. Students can also be privately funded by parents and carers.
Information for Parents and Carers
Student Kit List:
Please make sure students have all of the following for their sessions on the farm. We will be outside in ALL weathers and for the entire day.
Everyday:
Snack / Packed Lunch (depending on timings of session) – farming is hard work so they may need more lunch than normal!
Drink / water bottle – these can easily be refilled on site.
Wellies or covered shoes
Spare socks and a full change of clothes
Water proofs – jacket and trousers
Gloves
Winter
Thick gloves – and a spare pair!
Winter hat
Warm waterproof winter coat
Plenty of layers
Warm waterproof boots and thick socks
Summer
Sun hat
Sun screen
Covered shoulders – no vest tops – we don’t want anyone getting sunburnt!
Covered shoes must be worn at all times – if too hot for wellies – must be trainers. Students will not be allowed on site in flipflops.
Alternative Provision Behaviour Policy:
Please read the following behaviour policy with your child/ young person before their first session on the farm. You can download a printable version here.
As a student of Yew Tree Farm School it is important that you understand and agree to the following:
1. I will listen to instructions and do what I have been asked, straight away.
The farm can be dangerous sometimes, with animals and machinery. You have to follow instructions when asked so that you can stay safe.
2. I will be kind to others with my words and actions
Kindness is really important at the farm! We are kind to students, staff, visitors and animals.
3. I will allow others to learn and not disturb them.
Other students are busy learning onsite too, everyone needs the opportunity to enjoy the farm.
4. I will always try my best.
Sometimes there are jobs we don’t want to do, or feel like we aren’t very good at, but at the farm everyone tries their best and supports each other.
5. I will be respectful of other people’s belongings
I will look after equipment on the farm and not touch things that belong to other people.
Sometimes we can all struggle with our feelings though! When you are feeling angry, frustrated, worried or not able to follow instructions then you can take a TIME OUT.
This is not a punishment!
When you need it, you can take time to calm down and relax on one of our picnic benches. Here you will be safe and given some space. You can then join back in when you are ready.
A member of staff might suggest you take a TIME OUT if you are struggling to follow the rules. Remember this is NOT a punishment, but is a chance for you to refocus.
What happens if I continue to not follow the rules?
If you are still struggling then another member of staff will join your session. Try to talk to them about how you are feeling. Remember we are here to help!
If your behaviour means that you or others are no longer safe then staff will remove you from the situation. You will be asked to move to a safe space, if you do not do so then staff will guide you somewhere safe.
If we are unable to keep you safe on site, or you continually endanger others, then your parent or carer will be called to collect you. We will then decide whether we can safely allow you to come back another day.
All the staff at Yew Tree Farm School are here to help you, and want you to succeed! Talk to us when you are struggling and we can work together.
Meet the staff
Edwina Grix
Headteacher
Amy Grix
Education Coordinator
Bec Grix
Farm Teacher
![IMG-20231101-WA0000[1]_edited_edited_edi](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a8ad5b_8420da1da5d9489696f476d24047664b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_54,h_58,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG-20231101-WA0000%5B1%5D_edited_edited_edi.png)
Millie Clarke
One-to-One Staff
Kelli Gardner
One-to-One Staff
![IMG-20231101-WA0006[1]_edited_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a8ad5b_bfe5f4d9f41b42949d224c3258188894~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_54,h_56,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG-20231101-WA0006%5B1%5D_edited_edited.jpg)
Naomi Hopper
One-to-One Staff
Olivia Williams
Office Administrator
![IMG-20231101-WA0007[1]_edited_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a8ad5b_6788d05c0aa94a01aff68d5c2c73ef1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_55,h_57,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG-20231101-WA0007%5B1%5D_edited_edited.jpg)
Charley Kitney
Farm Teaching Assistant
![IMG-20231101-WA0001[1]_edited_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a8ad5b_790924782063490b94467ece064cf068~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_52,h_58,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/IMG-20231101-WA0001%5B1%5D_edited_edited.png)
Tina Woolmer
One-to-One Staff
Lisa Jordan
One-to-One Staff
Becky Wayte
One-to-One Staff
Term Dates
Academic Year 2023-2024
TERM 1 Monday 4th September - Friday 20th October 2023
AUTUMN BREAK - Monday 23rd October - Friday 27th October 2023
TERM 2 Monday 30th October - Friday 15th December 2023
CHRISTMAS BREAK - Monday 18th December - Friday 5th January 2024
TERM 3 Monday 8th January - Friday 9th February 2024
FEBRUARY BREAK - Monday 12th February - Friday 16th February 2024
TERM 4 Monday 19th February - Thursday 28th March 2024
SPRING BREAK - Monday 1st April - Friday 12th April 2024
TERM 5 Monday 15th April - Friday 24th May 2024
MAY BREAK - Monday 27th May - Friday 31st May 2024
TERM 6 Monday 3rd June - Friday 19th July 2024
SUMMER BREAK - Monday 22nd July - Tuesday 3rd September 2024
Referral Forms
To refer a student for the Alternative Provision please download and complete all of the following forms. Return the forms to us via email to office@yewtreefarmschool.co.uk
Students cannot begin sessions before all forms are completed and returned.
Contact us
Yew Tree Farm School
Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, Swanton Street,Bredgar, Sittingbourne,Kent, ME9 8AT
Office Manager: Olivia Williams
Headteacher: Edwina Grix
Chair of the Executive Board: Stephen Grix