The idea
Trail blazers wants to deliver engaging outdoor learning programmes for young people whose barrier to learning is social, emotional and mental health needs. All programmes are delivered within our forest
school setting. We provide an environment where we deliver learning opportunities with a focus on personal development and teamwork, alongside pathways for students who wish to achieve english and
our main focus is to use outdoor learning and problem-solving activities to re-engage students back into education. This includes supporting students with their emotional, social and mental health needs.
What we'll deliver
- Development of therapeutic intervention space
- Development of team building skills area
- Development of sensory space for students
- Development of classroom space for learning
Why it's a great idea
Our project is to support Kent schools to re-engage their most hard to reach pupils. These students may have social, emotional and mental health needs, adverse childhood experiences, risk of exclusion in their current academic settings, long period of absence, low-self esteem and self-confidence in relation to their ability to succeed academically and control their own behaviour low aspirations, dis-engagement from education. We will do this through a specialised curriculum with a high focus on challenging negative behaviour and supporting SEMH needs. We will support learners to develop a sense of self- worth and understand our learning approach and high expectations. Learners will work towards inspiring but realistic annual targets that will take into account their individual talents and challenges and cover their holistic progress. Our learners will graduate with a good level of self-confidence, resilience and independence allowing them to progress into responsible citizens.
Steps to get it done
- Provide tipee structures for outside intervention (counselling to take place)
- Building of outdoor cabin for classroom space to deliver a learning space
- Building of sensory path and sensory trail for SEN needs
- Paths to be laid to ensure accessibility to all
Our curriculum is for learners who are finding being in a traditional classroom setting challenging. Learners accessing Trail Blazers Education are rarely in a conducive emotional state for learning, they struggle with social relationships and often seek to have their basic needs met. Learners are likely unable to access 25 hours of learning each week within their current school setting.
We meet the needs of the individual, providing a safe, non-judgmental and accessible learning environment that empowers, inspires and ignites. We challenge ableist views and support self-advocacy, well-being and personal growth through developing positive relationships between school, home and the wider community.
