Contact details:

Stacey McDowell

WhatsApp 07955277537

Phone 07955277537

clth@wirralridingcentre.com

Our Alternative Provision is recognised by Wirral's SENDLO - you can find more out about us on the SENDLO website - SENDLO Wirral. Wirral's Local Offer of SEND Services

*Referral form* (please contact us for a version that you can edit)

If your educational setting is under Wirral Local Authority you do not need to fill in this referral form, instead you need to make your referral through the Wirral Portal for Alternative Provision.

As a BHS Approved Centre we joined the Changing Lives Through Horses (CLTH) programme 5 years ago. We currently have 33 young people who are quickly discovering the transformative power of working with horses. We are an enthusiastic and dedicated team. We strive to provide the best equine education and experience for our young people and are excited to welcome more young people to our team.

Changing Lives Through Horses at Wirral Riding Centre

Changing Lives Through Horses have a simple goal, to build young people’s resilience, confidence and self-esteem and support them to develop the drive and ambition to be a productive member of our society through re-engaging with education or employment. Changing Lives Through Horses has the ability to reach these young people at a critical point in their lives.

Our vision ‘To inspire individuals classified as disengaged and/or disadvantaged to reconnect with society through working with horses.’

The mission ‘To empower young people, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge enabling them to return to education and/or employment.’ Who is The Changing Lives Through Horses programme for?

Our aim at Wirral Riding Centre ‘Together, with horses, we can change the way you see the world.’ 

Who is The Changing Lives Through Horses programme for?

It is suitable for:

• Young people (5-15) who are either permanently excluded, at risk of permanent exclusion or who have special education needs or disabilities (SEND).
• Young people (16-25) who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), therefore at risk of becoming socially excluded with income below the poverty line and without the skills to improve their economic situation.

*Wirral Riding Centre are currently not accepting referrals for Primary School aged young people*

What does the programme look like?

The Changing Lives Through Horses (CLTH) programme is an educational and character-building programme which encompasses the development of Life Skills and academic achievement within an equine environment. There are six fundamental Life Skills which are the foundation for helping young people flourish. These life skills are weaved through the programme for all ages of participants:

• Building relationships
• Communication
• Confidence
• Responsibility
• Teamwork
• Perseverance

There are two bespoke frameworks within the programme, depending on the age of the participant.

• 5-11years old Achievers Framework Aim: To return to education

• 11-25years old Explorers Framework Aim: To return to education (school or college) or continue to employment

Each CLTH Framework has been linked to the National Curriculum (NC). The Achievers Framework has been mapped to the NC for KS1 and KS2 and The Explorers Framework has been mapped to KS3 and core subjects within KS4.

Each framework involves numerous awards which the participant can work towards and achieve in manageable timeframes. The award ensures there is simple progression as well as a change for personal achievement and recognition at regular intervals. They allow for regular and clear feedback between the CLTH centre, the school and the parents or carers.

What experience is required?

The programme does not require the participant to have any previous experience of working with horses or the outdoors; they simply have to show a desire to be in this environment. It is also not necessary for the participant to learn to ride as part of this programme, although this certainly is an option and could potentially be a big attraction.

What does a normal day look like?

Our days are flexible and work around our children, young people and horses. However, a usual day looks like this...

9-9.30am - arrive at WRC

9.30-10am - mucking out as a team

10-10.30am - first equine lesson/activity of the day

10.30-1pm - between this time each group alternates between grooming and tacking up, their riding lesson & a Life Skills activity

1-1.30pm - whole group break

1.30-2.30pm - second equine lesson/activity of the day

2.30-3pm - look back at the activities, set targets for the following day and collection

Each child/young person can attend for up to 18 hours a week. The price is £60 per person, per day* unless your Young Person requires more than small group work.