Alternative Provision
Hands-on, animal-assisted learning for young people who need a different approach. Reconnect with education through working with horses and animals at our Manchester farm.
Enquire NowWhy Parents & Schools Choose Us
Educational Enrichment Beyond the Classroom
Emotional Wellbeing & Confidence Building
Life Skills: Teamwork & Responsibility
Inclusive for ASD, ADHD, Anxiety, SEMH
Calm Farm Setting with Animals
Our Programmes
Two specialised pathways designed to meet EHCP outcomes and personal goals, combining practical learning with core academic support.
Equine Pathway
Horse riding, BHS Challenge Awards, and Equine Facilitated Learning combined with life skills and core academics.
- Horse riding sessions
- BHS Challenge Awards
- Equine Facilitated Learning
- English, Maths & PSHE
Small Animal Pathway
AQA Small Animal qualifications with Equine Facilitated Learning, life skills, and core academics. Small groups of max 4 students.
- AQA Small Animal qualifications
- Equine Facilitated Learning
- Small groups (max 4 students)
- English, Maths & PSHE
Daily Rate
per student, per day
Meals
breakfast, lunch & refreshments
Group Size
students per group
Accreditation
AQA, City & Guilds, Open Awards, ASDAN
Key Life Skills Developed
Our Mission
"To give young people, regardless of their background, the opportunity to develop their skills enabling them to return to education and/or employment."
About Our Provision
Changing Lives Alternative Provision in Manchester offers inclusive, hands-on education that combines academic progress with emotional and practical skill development. Our goal is to help each young person rediscover their strengths, build confidence, and re-engage with education or employment through experiential, animal-assisted learning.
- Calm farm setting with equine facilities, animal rescue, allotment & forest school areas
- Emotional wellbeing and confidence building through horse & animal interaction
- Life skills: teamwork, communication, problem solving, responsibility and perseverance
- Inclusive environment for a wide range of needs (ASD, ADHD, anxiety, EBSNA, SEMH)
Frequently Asked Questions
The programme is aimed at participants from Year 7-11 who have become, or are at risk of becoming disengaged, from mainstream education or training. Participants who have benefitted from the programme include those with learning difficulties, anxiety, depression, and those dealing with bereavement or abusive pasts. Participants aren't required to have previous experience with animals and the outdoors, just a passion to learn and a want to engage in our environment.
In accordance with The Department for Education, we actively promote British values to ensure young people leave prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance.
- Democracy
- Rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
Our curriculum aims to provide students with educational success and prepare them for the next stage in their lives. We provide a curriculum which:
- Is high quality and ambitious for all, giving access to a broad range of academic and vocational subjects
- Is based on the National Curriculum but adapted to meet the needs of our learners
- Has a strong focus on personal and social development
- Includes English, Maths, PSHE, Science, RSE and Life Skills
- Provides all students with the opportunity to develop essential skills for life
Learning is a persistent change in knowledge. At Changing Lives, students will learn:
- A broad range of powerful knowledge in key national curriculum subjects
- How to read, write and communicate confidently
- The principles of fluency in mathematics
- How to be critical thinkers
- To respect and celebrate individuality and diversity
- How to be resilient in the face of adversity and challenge
- How to understand and manage their emotions
- About different career pathways and the skills required to be successful
- How to respect and care for animals and their needs
Safeguarding & Policies
Please review our Safeguarding, Data Protection and Equality policies before attending.
Safeguarding All PoliciesHealth & Safety
Riders must follow instructions at all times. Riding hats are mandatory; weight limit for riding is 13 stone.
Riding PoliciesMeals & Transport
Breakfast club, lunch & refreshments available (£5/day). Transport is arranged by the referring school/LA.
School Referral Form
For Schools and Educational Professionals Only. Download and complete the referral form to refer a student.
Once completed, email to admin@changinglivessen.co.uk
Ready to Learn More?
Get in touch to discuss how we can support your young person