Popular care farm wants to help more children

Jake Payne said they want to offer more places to children on their waiting list

Managers at a farm which provides open days for children with special educational needs say they have been "full up for a year" and now want to expand.

Peopleton Brook Farm, near Bristol, is a sanctuary for animals, including retired racehorses, and has been teaching children how to care for farm animals, horses and land since 2019.

The farm's business manager, Jake Payne, said they are looking to open a new farm in Winterbourne, South Gloucestershire, to take more children on their waiting list.

Mr Payne said the new farm would "open another 20 to 25 spaces a day for the local area".

"It doesn't feel nice to have people on a waiting list when they need something," he said.

"It [the farm] does a lot of good for the community."

They can work with young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), offer ASQ certificates, and teach independent living skills.

Lauren Yeo, who used to be a teacher but is now an operations manager at the farm, said there is "such a need for this provision".

"Students really respond to this type of environment... it really benefits the students," she said.

"It's really lovely to see everyone's journey, their growth and their confidence building... It's so rewarding."

The farm rehomes retired racehorses

The BBC spoke to some of the users of the services about what it means for them.

Christian said he likes working with horses the most, and his favourite is Wilf.

"He can be cheeky, but he can be good as gold," he said.

He added that it also makes him feel "wonderful" to make friends.

Sam said the open days help him "build confidence".

He said: "You get to make a lot more friends, a lot of stuff you wouldn't be able to do in normal education.

"It's a lot less stressful than a regular college."