Alternative Provision

To inspire disengaged individuals to reconnect with society through working with horses. Our Manchester-based Alternative provision offers hands-on, animal-assisted learning for young people aged 11–25 at Nursery Farm, Carrington.

Why parents & schools choose us

  • Educational enrichment beyond the classroom.

  • 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).

  • Calm farm setting with equine facilities, animal rescue, allotment & forest school areas.

A woman smiling and hugging two dogs, one small and one medium-sized, with a horse nearby at a stable.

Our Programmes

We offer two specialised pathways designed to meet EHCP outcomes and personal goals. Each pathway combines practical, accredited learning with core academic support in English, Maths, and PSHE.

Equine Pathway

Horse riding, BHS Challenge Awards, Equine Facilitated Learning, life skills plus English, maths & PSHE. Weight limit for riding: 13 stone.

Small Animal Pathway

AQA Small Animal qualifications, Equine Facilitated Learning, life skills plus English, maths & PSHE. Small groups (max 4).

Daily rate

£160 per day (per student).

Meals

Breakfast club, lunch & refreshments: £5 per day.

Accreditation

Partnering with AQA, City & Guilds, Open Awards and ASDAN.

Key Life Skills Developed - Communication · Confidence · Relationships · Teamwork · Responsibility · Perseverance

  • 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 those dealing with 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 aim to actively promote British values in schools to ensure young people leave school prepared for life in modern Britain. Pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance and understand that while different people may hold different views about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, all people living in England are subject to its law.

    The Key Values are:

    • democracy

    • rule of law

    • individual liberty

    • mutual respect

    • tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

  • Our curriculum aims to provide our students with educational success and to prepare them for the next stage in their lives. It has been designed with the following:

    Curriculum Principles – We will provide a curriculum which:

    • Is high quality and ambitious for all, giving students access to a broad range of academic and vocational subjects as well as fostering creativity

    • Is based on the National Curriculum but is adapted at a whole-school and subject level to ensure we can meet the needs of our learners

    • Has a strong focus on personal and social development

    • Is inclusive, setting high expectations of all learners

    • Provides all students with the opportunity to develop the essential skills for life

    • Ensures progression is an integral part of the curriculum design

    • Includes English, Maths, PHSE, Science, RSE and Life Skills in Functional Skills and GCSE where applicable

    • Extra Curriculum can be discussed

  • Learning is a persistent change in knowledge. At Changing Lives, we understand learning as both a process and a product:

    We refer to learning as something we do, as well as something we end up with. We define the process of learning as thinking and the product of learning as knowledge.

    Intent –The curriculum we provide will allow our students to know more, remember more and do more. They will learn:

    • a broad range of powerful knowledge in key national curriculum subjects

    • how to read, write and communicate confidently

    • about 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

    • how to recognise risks and identify benefit and harm

    • about different career pathways and the skills and knowledge required to be successful

    • about the culturally rich communities in which they live

    • how to respect and care for animals and their needs

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.

  • Educational enrichment beyond the classroom.

  • 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).

  • Calm farm setting with equine facilities, animal rescue, allotment & forest school areas.

A group of children and a woman outdoors with a horse, dog, and guinea pig, all appearing friendly and happy.

Safeguarding & Policies

Please review our Safeguarding, Data Protection and Equality policies before attending.

Safeguarding policy
Data protection (GDPR)
Equality & complaints

Health & Safety

Riders must follow instructions at all times. Riding hats are mandatory; weight limit for riding is 13 stone.

Meals & 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
If you’d like to refer a student to Changing Lives Alternative Provision, please download and complete the referral form below.

⚠️ Please note: This form is not for parents or carers to complete.

📥 Download the Changing Lives School Referral Form (PDF)

Once completed, please email it to
📧 ali.tottem@changinglivessen.co.uk

School Referal Form