Parents & Carers
A dedicated page for parents and carers — answering the questions that matter most when you're worried about your child and wondering if Maypole Farm could help.
This page is for you
You don't have to have all the answers before you call us.
If you're reading this, you're probably worried. Maybe your child hasn't been able to get to school. Maybe school has told you they can't manage. Maybe you've watched your child become someone you barely recognise — shut down, anxious, or in crisis.
We understand. Not in a theoretical way. We work with families in exactly this position every single week. And we know how isolating, exhausting, and frightening it can be.
Maypole Farm isn't a magic solution — and we won't pretend to be. But we might be exactly what your child needs right now. A different kind of place. A different pace. A different relationship with adults and learning.
Get in touch. We'll listen first. No judgement. No pressure.
Common concerns
We hear these questions a lot.
"Will my child actually be understood here — not just managed?"
Yes. Understanding the child in front of us — their history, their needs, their personality — is where we start. We don't manage children. We build relationships with them. Every member of our team is here because they genuinely care, not because it's a job.
"School has gone badly before. What makes this different?"
Maypole Farm is fundamentally different from a mainstream school. Smaller. Quieter. No busy corridors or constant transitions. Adults who have time for each child. A farm setting that reaches children in ways classrooms often don't. We start by building trust — not by demanding attendance or performance.
"What if my child won't come? What if they're too anxious?"
We are very experienced with this. We never force attendance — that approach doesn't work and causes harm. Instead, we start gently. Sometimes that means a visit without any expectation. Sometimes just meeting an animal. We build from wherever the child is. It takes time, and that's okay.
"How will I be kept informed? Will I feel left in the dark?"
You will never feel like your child has disappeared behind a door. We believe parents and carers are the most important people in a child's life. We will keep you regularly updated — and we will always answer your calls and messages, not leave you chasing.
"Will my child be safe — from other children and from adults?"
Safeguarding is our first priority. All staff are DBS-checked and trained in child protection. Group sizes are small, ratios are appropriate, and we know every child individually. Our safeguarding policy is published and we welcome questions about it.
"What if it doesn't work? What if my child still can't manage?"
We will be honest with you throughout. If something isn't working, we will say so — and adapt the plan, not carry on regardless. If Maypole Farm ultimately isn't the right fit, we will help you find what is. We are never here to hold onto children for whom we are not the best option.
What to expect
What happens when you get in touch
A real conversation
You'll speak to someone who actually knows our provision — not a call centre. We'll listen to what's going on and ask questions that help us understand your child's situation.
Honest assessment
We'll be honest about whether we think Maypole Farm could be a good fit — and if not, we'll try to suggest other options.
A visit, when the time is right
If it seems positive, we'll invite you and your child to visit the farm. Informal, relaxed, and at a pace that works for your child.
A plan built together
If we agree to proceed, we will build the individual plan with you — not just hand you a document.
Don't worry about having everything ready
You don't need reports, assessments, or a formal referral to start a conversation with us. Just tell us about your child in your own words. We'll take it from there.
Get in touch
Send us a message
No pressure. No judgement. Just a conversation.
Message for parents and carers
Tell us a little about your child and what's happening. We'll get back to you within one working day. You can also just say 'I'd like to speak to someone' and we'll call you.
You're not alone in this.
Whatever situation you're in with your child's education — we've heard something similar before. And we've helped. Get in touch.