Our provision
How we work with young people
At The Willows, all focus tasks are rooted in nature, the big outdoors, and art and craft — using the world around us to support growth and enable children to truly thrive.
Sessions
What a session looks like
Each session at The Willows lasts one hour and is delivered on a 1:1 basis, giving the young person the full attention of a consistent, trusted adult; Nicola. Sessions follow a set structure, providing the predictability and routine that children with SEMH needs rely on to feel safe. Between activities outside, we take shelter and meet in The Willows stable — a converted stable offering a quiet, sheltered space to have a snack and to start and end each visit. Parents and support teachers are warmly welcome to stay throughout — we believe the best outcomes happen when home, school, and provision work together. Where a young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), the targets and goals within it are used to inform and shape the work we focus on, ensuring our provision is purposeful and joined-up with the wider support around the child. Sessions can also be booked for longer where this is appropriate for the child.
Session length
1 hour
Group size
1:1 only
Cost
£80 per hour
Funding
Self-funded, school or LEA
Session structure
Every session follows the same reassuring pattern
Welcome & check in
Every session begins in The Willows stable — a converted stable that serves as a quiet, welcoming base. We settle in, check in with how the young person is feeling, and set the tone for the session ahead.
Focus task
The heart of every session. All focus tasks at The Willows are rooted in nature, the big outdoors, and art and craft — activities chosen to engage, calm, and support growth. Tasks are tailored to the young person's interests, whether that means caring for animals, exploring the grounds, creating something with their hands, or working in the garden.
Drink, snack & story
We return to the stable to wind down — a drink and snack together, paired with a short story or relaxation activity. The stable is a calm, sheltered space away from the elements, and this segment provides comfort, warmth, and a real sense of safety.
Reflection
We close with a brief, gentle reflection on the session — celebrating what went well and helping the young person recognise their own progress and strengths.
What we offer
Activities and learning areas
All focus tasks at The Willows are rooted in nature, the big outdoors, and art and craft. We use the world around us — the animals, the grounds, the seasons, and the creative process — to support growth and enable children to thrive. Activities are chosen to engage, calm, and build confidence.
Animal care
Working with our animals — horses, chickens, and more — builds responsibility, empathy, and emotional regulation.
Outdoor learning
Our 4.5 acres of grounds provide space for exploration and connection with nature. A small woodland of willows and oaks offers natural shade and a peaceful place to sit, explore, and watch the seasons come and go — all of which support wellbeing and resilience.
Nature & the grounds
Simply being in nature is therapeutic in itself. Our grounds offer quiet corners to sit and breathe, shade under ancient trees, and the ever-changing beauty of the seasons. For many young people, time spent outside in a calm, unhurried space is where the real healing begins.
Literacy & numeracy
Academic learning is woven into sessions in a low-pressure, meaningful way — always tailored to the young person's level and delivered when they are regulated and ready.
Art & craft
Art and craft sit at the core of what we do. Creating something with your hands — whether painting, making, building, or designing — is a powerful way to process emotions, build self-esteem, and experience the quiet satisfaction of achievement. No experience needed, no right or wrong answers.
Practical outdoor skills
Young people can build confidence through meaningful, hands-on tasks around the grounds. From organising tools to caring for shared spaces, these activities encourage independence, sequencing skills, and a wonderful sense of achievement.
Garden patch & orchard
Our garden patch is always in need of tending — planting, weeding, watering, and picking produce. In the orchard, apples, plums, and pears grow in abundance. Learning to grow and harvest food connects children to nature and gives them a real sense of purpose and pride.
Therapeutic support
All of our work is underpinned by nurture principles and trauma-informed practice. We work relationally, patiently, and with the whole child in mind.
Funding
Booking & funding options
Sessions cost £80 per hour and can be arranged in a number of ways. Nicola will work with families, schools, and local authorities to make sure funding is in place before a placement begins.
Session rate
£80
per hour
Self-funded
Parents and families can book and fund sessions directly. We are transparent about costs from the outset and happy to discuss what a programme might look like.
School-funded
Schools can commission sessions using their SEND or inclusion budgets. We work closely with SENCOs and inclusion leads to agree a programme that meets the young person's needs.
LEA / alternative provision funding
Sessions can be funded through the local authority as part of alternative provision arrangements, including EHCP-funded placements. Where an EHCP is in place, we work directly from the targets and goals within the plan to ensure our provision is purposeful and aligned with the young person's wider support. We provide all necessary documentation to support funding applications.
Ready to find out if The Willows is right for your young person?
Get in touch with Nicola for an informal conversation — no commitment, no pressure. I'll be honest about whether we feel we can help.