Education @ Animal Antiks

Open Hearts, Unlock Minds and Inspire People

Education

A structured classroom environment is not always the easiest for young people and for some the challenge of conforming is simply too much for them to cope with. We recognise the struggles faced and provide an alternative option to help support whilst still learning. We are often called upon as a last resort before school exclusion or day release day care option. Whatever the circumstance, Animal Antiks offer a safe haven.

Whilst working on the farm, with allocated daily activities and tasks we encourage and support our young people to be respectful, supportive of each other and instil a desire to succeed.

Often our animals provide a wonderful confidant to misunderstood, frustrated and angry young people – animals don’t judge or offer opinions! Our support staff provide the help to build on life and social skills, rebuild self-worth and confidence.

Being outside and close to nature has an amazing and positive effect on so many!

Different Steps CIC – our new in-house training partner

Born from Brilliance, Built for Success

Different Steps CIC emerged from the acclaimed Animal Antiks – but we’re so much more than just the next chapter. We saw young people thriving in our therapeutic farm environment and thought, “What if this transformation could earn them qualifications too?”

That spark of innovation became our mission: to create an educational experience so engaging, so purposeful, so aligned with how these incredible young people actually learn best, that success becomes inevitable.

To find out more about Different Steps, visit the website by clicking the button below

Our unique Supported Internship programme offers several options for young people with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP). We work in partnership with our new in-house training partner, Different Steps to deliver training and carry out assessments. 

Choose from specialist animal care, land management and horticulture work placements onsite at our purpose-built working farm facility and with our network of local employer partners, including veterinary practices, pet shops, dog groomers, dog walkers, kennels, stables, and garden centres.

Or, specialist catering, hospitality, educational and administrative work placements onsite to support the farm, visitors and learners. Also working with our network of local employer partners, including garden centres, outdoor activity centres, cafes and retail outlets.

We provide a structured 540-hour off-the-job learning programme including Functional Skills English and Maths, employability qualifications, and industry-specific training.

Students will also be able to complete both an Emergency First Aid at Work and a Food Hygiene certification.

We have dedicated Job Coaches with specialist training in systematic instruction, animal care, and horticulture sectors.

Comprehensive life skills are built into the curriculum, including independent travel, digital literacy, and money management.

Students benefit from employer engagement activities from day one with regular workplace visits and employer talks.

Entry criteria

• Be aged 18 -24 years old with an active EHCP
• Have a genuine interest in working with animals or in horticulture
• Entry Level 3 in English and Maths (or working towards this level)
• Ability to engage with a full-time programme (minimum 3 days per week)
• Be an independent traveller or willing to access our transport options
• Motivated to gain paid employment by the end of the programme
• Have previous work experience or volunteering (particularly with animals is beneficial).
• Family/carer supportive of employment goals

To apply for a Supported Internship placement with us, please complete the Supported Internship form at the bottom of the page then return it to us by post or email.

Day Placements

Day placements on the farm can provide both a goal and focal point for those struggling to stay the course of a whole schooling week, or simply give a young person an additional safe environment.

These types of placements can be included into a reduced timetable for a different style of learning to continue in a less structured and more vocational way.

Many young people have benefitted from a day placement with schools and colleges finding a ‘day-release’ program a positive reinforcement and integral part of their students’ progress and educational development.

If you would like to enquire about a Supported Internship, please complete the referral form below and then return it to us by post or email.

Animal Antiks Supported Internship Referral Form

If you would like to enquire about a Post 16 Educational Placement or a Day Placement for your child or one that you know, please complete the referral form below and then return it to us by post or email.

Animal Antiks – Referral Form Education