Changing Lives SEN

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

At Changing Lives SEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, we are dedicated to transforming YOUNG PEOPLES lives through EDUCATION WITH horses, dogs, small animals, and the great outdoors.

Small groups

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Animal assisted programmes

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Recognised qualifications

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Small groups 〰️ Animal assisted programmes 〰️ Recognised qualifications 〰️

Why families choose Changing Lives

Calmer starts, steadier days

Short transitions, predictable routines, and spaces for regulation help pupils feel safe—and ready to learn.

Learning that fits the child

Personalised targets, small groups, and animal‑assisted programmes build confidence, communication and engagement.

Real, recognised qualifications

Pupils work toward meaningful outcomes that open doors.

What we have been up to

What We Offer

Close-up of a white horse with a blonde mane looking over a fence, with a black horse in the background on a grassy field.

Education through horses

BRITISH HORSE SOCIETY CHALLENGE AWARDS
INTRO BRONZE AND SILVER.

  • Caring for your horse

  • Understanding your horse

  • Managing your horse

  • Lunging your horse

  • Riding fitness

  • Flat riding

  • Jumping

  • Safe riding

Close-up of a Rottweiler dog wearing a harness outdoors.

Education through dogs

AQA CERTIFICATES

  • Dog Walking

  • Dog Grooming

  • Dog Health

  • Dog Training

Two white plush bunny toys with floppy ears sit on a textured fabric surface; one has a small fabric pumpkin in front, and a glowing glass pumpkin decoration with fairy lights is on the right. Soft lighting enhances the cozy scene.

Education THROUGH SMALL ANIMALS

AQA CERTIFICATES

  • Animal care

  • Animal welfare law

  • Animal biology

  • Animal rescue.

A day in the life
Predictable, calm, and purposeful—from arrival to home time

08:30–09:15
Welcome, breakfast & registration

Arrive, breakfast club, settle and prepare for learning.

09:15–10:05
Session 1

Rotates across the week.

PSHE
Science
English
ASDAN Lifeskills

10:05–10:55
Session 2

Rotates across the week.

English/Science
PE
BHS
EFL

10:55–11:10
Break

Snack
Movement
Fresh air.

11:10–12:00
Accredited learning
AQA/Open Awards and more.

AQA
Open Awards
Science/English
Forest School

12:00–12:40
Lunch

Eat
Relax
Connect.

12:40–13:30
Afternoon session

Small-group learning.
Maths
Dogs (Animal Assisted)

13:30–14:20
Animal‑assisted/
Vocational

Hands‑on, interest‑led
Riding
AQA
Open Awards

14:20–14:30
Reflection

Review the day and next steps.

14:30
Home Time/Pick Up

End of a great day.

Quiet spaces and individual timetables available as needed.

80%

improve attendance by week 6

What sucess looks like here

6+

accredited units in year one

college, training or supported work

Meet our team

At Changing Lives SEN, our dedicated team of educators, mentors, and animal care specialists work together to create a supportive and enriching environment for our students. With expertise in special education, therapeutic learning, and animal-assisted interventions, our staff is committed to helping every young person build confidence, develop skills, and thrive.

🔹 Compassionate SEN professionals
🔹 Experienced equine and canine specialists
🔹 Dedicated support staff and mentors

Together, we change lives—one student at a time.

Two women smiling and cuddling a white horse with black markings, outdoors on a cloudy day.

OUR MISSION

At Changing Lives SEN, we are dedicated to transforming lives through horses, dogs, small animals, and the great outdoors. Our mission is built on:


🔹 Sustainability – Creating a future where education and nature thrive together.
🔹 Partnerships – Collaborating to build a world-class education initiative.
🔹 Knowledge-Based Learning – Empowering young people with real-world skills.
🔹 Nurturing for the Future – Helping every student grow in confidence and capability.

oUR VISION

To give young people, regardless of their background, the opportunity to develop their skills, enabling them to return to education and/or employment."

tESTIMONIALS

  • “Before coming to Changing Lives I was doing half days at my previous school. Since being here I am able to do full days, it helps having animals and dogs in the room when I am learning because they are very calming. In the future, I want to be successful and wealthy. I’m not sure what I want to be yet, but I feel like I’m learning lots of things and have lots of options.”

    ISAAC

  • “This school has saved my daughters life, and possibly mine.”

    RACHEL LEWIS – PARENT

  • "This school taught me to smile again and be myself."

    SOPHIA