Silverbirch Animal Therapy Farm

02/02/2026

🌱 What can parents do if a school won’t fund an Alternative Provision (AP)? 🌱

We’re often asked what options parents have when a school says they can’t or won’t fund Alternative Provision — so here’s some guidance 👇

✔️ Parents can ask the school to put their decision in writing, including the reasons for refusing funding.
✔️ A meeting can be requested with the SENCO or Headteacher to formally discuss unmet needs, attendance, anxiety, behaviour, or exclusion risk.
✔️ Parents can contact the Local Authority directly — especially if their child is not accessing suitable education. The LA has a duty to ensure education is in place.
✔️ Parents can request an EHCP needs assessment (even if the school disagrees) or ask for an urgent EHCP review if one already exists.
✔️ Where school is no longer suitable, parents can ask the LA to consider EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School), which may include AP as part of a package.

💬 Schools do not always have the final say. Parents have the right to ask questions, challenge decisions, and seek support when a child’s needs are not being met.

If you’d like advice or support understanding the process, feel free to message us 🌿

02/02/2026

🌿 Accessing Alternative Provision as part of EOTAS 🌿

We’re often asked how families can access Alternative Provision (AP), particularly when it forms part of an EOTAS package (Education Otherwise Than At School) — so here’s a quick overview 💚

✔️ Alternative Provision within EOTAS is usually arranged through the Local Authority, not by direct parent enrolment.
✔️ It may be agreed when a child is unable to attend a mainstream setting and their needs cannot be met in school.
✔️ Provision is often put in place following an EHCP assessment or review, with parents fully involved in the process.
✔️ Schools, SEND teams, educational psychologists, or other professionals may recommend AP as part of a personalised EOTAS package.

💬 Parents who feel their child’s current provision is not suitable should speak with their Local Authority SEND team or request an EHCP review to explore EOTAS options.

If you’d like to know more about how alternative, nurturing provisions can support children as part of EOTAS, feel free to get in touch 🌿

02/02/2026

🌱 How can parents access an Alternative Provision (AP)? 🌱

We’re often asked how families can access Alternative Provision, so we wanted to share a simple explanation 💚

✔️ Alternative Provision is usually accessed through referral, rather than parents enrolling directly.
✔️ Referrals are commonly made by a child’s mainstream school, often with parents fully involved in the discussion.
✔️ In some cases, the Local Authority may arrange an AP placement, particularly if a child is out of school or at risk of exclusion.
✔️ For children with an EHCP, Alternative Provision can be named as part of their plan following a review or reassessment.
✔️ Professionals such as SENCOs, educational psychologists, SEND teams, or early help services may also support families with referrals.

💬 Parents are always encouraged to speak with their child’s school or local authority if they feel current provision isn’t meeting their child’s needs.

If you’d like advice, guidance, or support understanding the process, please feel free to message us 🌿

29/01/2026

🌟 What a Brilliant Session with Our AP Children Yesterday! 🌟

We started the day with a lovely hack in the sunshine 🐴☀️ — the perfect calm and positive way to begin the session.

The day then finished with a fun Bake Off–style challenge 🧁
The children planned, mixed, baked and (of course!) taste-tested their creations — and the cakes were very yummy 😋

It was wonderful to see:
✨ Confidence growing
✨ Teamwork and communication
✨ Smiles, laughter and real pride in their achievements

These sessions are about so much more than activities — they’re about connection, wellbeing and helping children feel safe, capable and supported 🌿💚

We’re so proud of them all 👏

29/01/2026

🌱 Is Your Child Struggling with School? 🌱

If your child is finding it hard to attend school, experiencing frequent suspensions, or struggling with anxiety, you are not alone — and there is support available.

Silver Birch Farm has spaces available for Alternative Provision (AP) Wellbeing Sessions, offering a calm, nurturing environment where children can:

✨ Build confidence
✨ Learn coping strategies for anxiety and big emotions
✨ Reconnect with learning in a pressure-free way
✨ Develop social and emotional skills
✨ Feel safe, heard, and supported

Our wellbeing sessions work gently with children to help them manage challenges around school and prepare them for a more positive pathway forward.

📍 Based at Silver Birch Farm
🌿 Nature-based, therapeutic approach
🤍 Child-led, trauma-informed support

📩 If your school is exploring AP options, or you’d like to find out more, please message us for an informal chat.

You don’t have to do this alone — we’re here to help 💚

07/01/2026

The difference these animals are making to all our Alternative Provision students is truly amazing.😻
We are so lucky to have such amazing children accessing our AP
The future is looking bright and we cannot wait to introduce more children.
This is what Silverbirch Farm was made for 🥰

28/11/2025

06/11/2025

04/11/2025

We are thrilled to announce we won at the Rochford and Brentwood sports award
Thanks to all that voted for us and what a team ❤️❤️❤️

22/10/2025

🌿🐴 Horses & Healing at Silver Birch Farm 🐴🌿

There’s something truly special about the connection between children and horses 💚

For many of our young visitors — especially those with SEND, anxiety, or mental health challenges — spending time with our gentle horses can be life-changing.

💫 Grooming, leading, and simply being near a horse helps:
✨ Build confidence and self-esteem
✨ Develop calm and focus
✨ Reduce anxiety and stress
✨ Encourage communication and trust

At Silver Birch Farm, we see these magical moments every day — a quiet child finding their voice, an anxious heart slowing its rhythm, and smiles that say more than words ever could 💕

Our horses don’t judge. They listen, comfort, and teach patience, empathy, and resilience.

If you’d like to learn more about our inclusive wellbeing and Alternative Provision sessions, message us [email protected]
we’d love to welcome you to the farm 🌾