The Ufton Court Educational Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to children’s education, is excited to announce the expansion of its alternative learning programme, The Nest, with a second on-site provision. This initiative aims to provide crucial support to an increasing number of children facing challenges both in and out of the classroom.
Enhancing Support for Vulnerable Children
Set within the picturesque grounds of Ufton Court, the newly established dedicated building is designed to accommodate a larger pool of children who require assistance. The Nest focuses on helping children and young people who struggle with friendships and emotional regulation in traditional school settings. Its objective is to offer positive experiences that boost self-esteem and self-awareness while equipping children with essential learning tools.
The approach currently employed in some schools has resulted in a staggering 44% increase in school exclusions between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years. Moreover, students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are up to five times more likely to face exclusion than their neurotypical peers. Alarmingly, from 2015 to 2020, there was a 60% rise in the number of pupils permanently excluded from schools across England. In 2022 alone, more than 22,000 children aged 5 and 6 were either excluded or suspended in primary schools, with persistent disruptive behaviour cited as the reason in 55% of all suspensions and 49% of permanent exclusions.
The National Education Union emphasizes that early intervention is essential in reducing the risk of such exclusions. Nature-based learning experiences have been shown to provide significant socio-emotional, academic, and wellbeing benefits. Research indicates that these experiences can improve classroom learning, behaviour, attendance, and overall confidence.
Ufton Court’s Commitment to Holistic Education
Ufton Court is a historic mansion with over 500 years of history, set within 44 acres of ancient woodland in Reading. It is a leading provider of immersive educational experiences, offering:
- Immersive history school trips linked to the national Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) curriculum, covering topics from the Tudors to the Stone Age.
- Outdoor learning residentials and day programmes, including Bushcraft sessions for KS2 and KS3 students, focused on survival skills, and Outdoor Challenge programmes that foster personal growth and teamwork.
- Therapeutic alternative learning provision through The Nest, partnering directly with schools to support small groups of children in a holistic approach to their social, emotional, and physical well-being.
The Ufton Court Educational Trust subsidises history and outdoor trips, as well as placements in The Nest, for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Nurturing Learning Environment
Led by highly qualified staff, The Nest employs a trauma-informed and therapeutic approach, creating a nurturing space where children feel valued and supported. This environment helps to foster positive relationships between children and teachers, offering opportunities for success that boost confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, proven strategies are utilised to effectively manage challenging behaviours, ensuring a conducive learning environment for all.
Key features of The Nest programme are personalised to meet each child’s needs, including outdoor learning, animal therapy, creative and practical learning opportunities, and challenges that promote personal growth.
Kayleigh Forbes, Head of Education at Ufton Court, expressed her enthusiasm:
It is an honour to extend our support to even more schools and children with our second dedicated provision for The Nest. As challenges at home and school grow for many young people, our mission at Ufton Court has become increasingly crucial. Schools and teachers are under immense pressure, and alternative learning programmes like The Nest can help ensure that the needs of all children are met.”
Supporting Young People Through Tailored Learning
The Nest can support up to eight children from one school per session, focusing primarily on children in Years 1 to 5. The new provision will also welcome young people aged 11 to 14, particularly those experiencing anxiety that affects their attendance at school. Children attending Ufton Court must be within a 30-minute radius of the site, and transport is provided to facilitate collection and drop-off on Nest days.
Case Study
Jamie was placed in the NEST programme due to struggles with social interactions, which often led to disruptive behaviours in school. After consistent weekly engagement in The Nest programme, Jamie has significantly reduced these behaviours and now actively embraces leadership roles, guiding and supporting peers during activities and daily interactions.