A safe place to
start again.
For children who haven't been able to thrive in mainstream education — Maypole Farm offers something different. A nurturing farm setting. Small groups. Warm, experienced staff. And a pathway built around your child.
Safeguarding is central to everything we do
Ages 5–25 supported
EHCP, LA referral, self-funded
Safeguarding first
DSL-led, child protection policy in place
Experienced team
Qualified, vetted staff with relevant SEND experience
Child-centred
Individual plans, not labels or categories
Family partnership
Parents and carers involved throughout
Thrive-informed
Therapeutic approach underpins all support
Our purpose
Some children just need something different.
If your child hasn't been able to cope in a mainstream school — or if mainstream school hasn't been able to cope with your child — you are not alone, and it is not their fault.
Many children and young people have needs, experiences, or ways of being in the world that simply don't fit the standard education model. Busy classrooms, strict timetables, large groups, and relentless assessment — these things are genuinely overwhelming for some young people.
At Maypole Farm, we don't try to force children into a box. We start with the child in front of us — their strengths, their history, their needs — and we build something from there. Something that fits.
How it works
Every child gets their own pathway
There's no single route through Maypole Farm. We take the time to understand each child before we plan anything — then we build something that actually works for them.
Meet the child
We start by getting to know your child — not just their paperwork. A relaxed visit to the farm, time to look around, and a proper conversation with no pressure.
Build trust
For many children who come to us, trust has been damaged. We move at their pace, never rush, and show through our actions — not just our words — that this is a safe place.
Understand their needs
We take time to understand what is really going on for each child — beyond labels, behind the behaviour, beneath the surface. We work with families and professionals to build a clear picture.
Create an individual pathway
Together, we build a plan that fits this child — their strengths, their needs, their goals. Not a one-size template. Not a tick-box. A real, living plan that we keep reviewing together.
Support progress
Progress looks different for every child. Sometimes it's reading. Sometimes it's arriving. Sometimes it's smiling. We celebrate it all, and keep adjusting our support as the child grows.
"We meet children where they are — not where we think they should be."
— Maypole Farm team
Who we work with
Different needs. One consistent approach.
We don't limit our support to a single type of need or a single label. The children who come to Maypole Farm are all different — and that's the point.
SEND
Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Learn moreSEMH
Children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, anxiety, trauma responses, or attachment difficulties.
Learn moreEBSA
Children with anxiety-based school avoidance or Emotionally Based School Absence — for whom mainstream attendance feels impossible.
Learn moreCare-experienced
Children and young people in care, or with complex home situations, who need a stable, nurturing, consistent environment.
Learn moreAlternative provision
Young people placed by their local authority or school who need a different educational setting to access learning.
Learn moreComplex presentations
Children with combinations of ASC, ADHD, SpLD, or SLCN who need smaller, calmer, more flexible settings to thrive.
Learn moreThe farm environment
Why the farm setting makes a difference
There is something about being outdoors, working with animals, and having space to breathe that changes things for many children. The farm is not just a backdrop — it is part of the provision.
Outdoor space
Room to breathe, move, and regulate. The natural environment reduces anxiety and creates a calmer start to each day.
Animals
Caring for animals builds empathy, routine, and responsibility — often breaking through where words have not.
Practical activity
Hands-on work gives children a sense of purpose and achievement that reignites motivation and self-belief.
Smaller groups
Quieter, less overwhelming. Children are known individually — no crowds, no noise overload, no getting lost.
Relational environment
Consistent, warm adults who are genuinely interested in each child. This is where trust begins to form.
For parents & carers
We know this isn't easy.
If you're reading this, you're probably worried about your child and feeling unsure about what to do next. That is completely understandable — and you've come to the right place.
Many of the families we work with have been through years of difficult experiences with education. Failed placements, exclusions, children too anxious to leave the house, meetings that felt blaming or overwhelming.
At Maypole Farm, we start differently. We listen first. We don't judge your child — or you. We work with you, not around you.
Will my child be safe?
Safeguarding is our first priority. All staff are DBS-checked and trained in child protection.
What if they've had bad experiences before?
We understand this. We take it slowly, build trust first, and never rush.
Will I be kept informed?
Yes. You are a partner throughout — not an afterthought.
What if they won't come?
We work at the child's pace. Attendance grows through relationship, not pressure.
Speak to our team
You don't need to have everything figured out before you get in touch. Just pick up the phone or drop us a message — we'll have a no-pressure conversation and help you understand what might be possible.
We aim to respond within one working day.
For professionals
Referring a young person to Maypole Farm
We welcome referrals from local authorities, schools, SENCOs, social workers, caseworkers, and other professionals. We are also happy to receive enquiries directly from parents and carers.
Get in touch
Call, email, or use our referral form to make initial contact.
Initial discussion
We discuss the young person's needs and suitability.
Visit the farm
Child and family visit. No pressure, just a look around and a conversation.
Who can refer?
- Local authorities (KCC and others)
- Schools and SENCOs
- Social workers & caseworkers
- Virtual School Heads
- Parents and carers directly
- Other professionals with consent
Safeguarding at Maypole Farm
The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our absolute first priority. We have a designated safeguarding lead, comprehensive policies, and clear procedures for any concern. Safeguarding is never an afterthought here.
Ready to find out if Maypole Farm could be right for your child?
Whether you're a worried parent, a referring professional, or a school looking for alternative provision support — we're here to have a real conversation. No pressure. No forms to fill in before we speak.