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Oct 2024
Nidderdale autism charity offers alternative learning sessions
A Nidderdale autism charity is to provide alternative learning provision next month.
Autism Angels will offer bespoke learning to support children aged seven to 17 years old with mental health, educational, social and emotional needs.
The provision will include a unique package of sessions, including maths, English, art and topic-based learning around an interest-based curriculum. Young people can also study for AQA unit awards and GCSEs.
According to the charity, children and young people will be able to access a flexible curriculum which naturally engages. The learning will be available in a low demand, nurturing and democratic environment.
Sessions will be available up to four days a week, from 10am to 3pm, at the Autism Angels outdoor care farm at Summerbridge.
Families can either pay for the lessons themselves or seek funding through their school or local authority.
Autism Angels founder Sarah Kekoa said:
We are so excited to be able to offer this new addition to our already thriving services. We want to bring the joy back into learning whilst keeping our wellbeing and mental health at the heart of everything we do.
Sarah Kekoa. Image: Faye Kenny-Broom
The charity was established over 12 years ago to support local children and families in crisis.
It provides a wide range of specialist mental health and wellbeing support, including therapeutic coaching and equine therapy.
It also offers wellbeing days, Saturday kids’ clubs, private riding therapy, family fun events and volunteering opportunities.
No diagnosis of any kind is needed to access Autism Angels’ services, including the alternative learning provision.
According to the charity's website, alternative learning provison costs an average of £100 per child, per day or £50 per child for half a day.
Asked by the Stray Ferret about cost, an Autism Angels spokesperson said it depended on "individual needs", adding it was "a new service starting with low numbers expanding to more sessions and days as demand increases".
We also asked if children can leave mainstream education to take part in the alternative provision and if the content dovetails with the national curriculum.
The charity said:
A bespoke learning programme is on offer to suit the individual needs of each child, which includes maths, English, art and other topic-based learning. Children have the opportunity to work towards AQA unit awards each half-term and GCSE English and maths.
There are a range of options depending on the individual needs of the child, which can be discussed following a taster visit.
Autism Angels charity at Throstle Nest Farm Summerbridge
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Autism Angels charity ball
Autism Angels is set to launch the alternative learning provision at its charity ball on November 30.
The event will be held at The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate.
Ms Kekoa said:
Guests will be able to dance the night away. They can also take part in other entertainment and fundraising games, and will have a chance to win some fantastic prizes- all while helping raise extra funds.
Our charity ball will be an amazing opportunity to support and raise funds for a local charity, with all proceeds directly supporting children and families accessing Autism Angels. This will help us to continue delivering vital services and make a real difference in the community.
The charity is looking for local businesses and supporters to get involved with the event as sponsors and to donate raffle prize donations for the event.
Tickets are £65 per person, and include a welcome drink, three-course festive meal, tea or coffee and mince pies. Tickets are available here.
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