Alternative Provision & Re-Engagement Support
A Helping Hoof is a structured, short-term alternative provision that uses equine and animal assisted learning to support children and young people who are not currently accessing education.
Our service supports students who may be experiencing barriers to attendance due to social, emotional and mental health needs, additional learning needs, or disrupted educational placements. We work in partnership with schools, local authorities, and social care to deliver early intervention and targeted support that promotes re-engagement, improved attendance, and positive educational outcomes.
Our provision is relationship-led, trauma-informed, and outcomes-focused, with equine and animal-based activities used as an educational tool to build trust, confidence, emotional regulation, and engagement with learning. We place a clear emphasis on supporting children and young people to return to full-time education, specialist provision, or to achieve the outcomes set out in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
EASTER sessions NOW AVAIABLE!
Our new booking system makes it easy to book your sessions with us!Outcomes and Impact
All placements at A Helping Hoof are time-limited, purposeful, and regularly reviewed, with clear planning for next steps and progression.
A Helping Hoof is not intended as a long-term placement. We operate as a bridge provision, supporting young people to stabilise, re-engage, and move forward positively and successfully.
Our provision aims to:
- Improve attendance, engagement, and readiness for learning
- Support emotional wellbeing, self-regulation, and resilience
- Build confidence, independence, and self-esteem
- Contribute directly towards EHCP outcomes
- Enable a planned and sustainable return to education, training, or an appropriate progression pathway
Strawberry
Head carrot eater
Strawberry is everyones best friend. She loves being stroked and having her hair braided. She is very sweet natured and loves getting lots of attension.
Polly
The Queen of the Yard
Polly doesn’t do riding, she’s far too regal for that! But she adores being pampered and taking elegant walks in hand. Total diva energy (in the best way).
Tetley
The Not-So-Grumpy Old Man
At 27, Tetley’s still got it! The best horse to ride, even if he pretends to be grumpy. Deep down, he’s all charm and cuddles, just don’t tell him we said so.
Angelina
The Ballerina
Elegant and wise, Angelina is the mum of Darcie and our resident honker, yes, she literally honks for attention! You’ll hear her before you see her.
Beauty
The Beauty Queen
Beauty is our newest member of the team. She is very sweet and kind and loves a fuss. Her best friend is Strawberry and she likes to be with her at all times.
Darcie
The Cuddle Monster
Darcie is the most sociable donkey you will ever meet, she’ll happily shove her head into your chest for unlimited snuggles.
Words from our 4 legged friends: We are Polly, Strawberry, Tetley, Billy, Angelina & Darcie. Between us, we have 24 hooves, 6 tails and a whole lot of love to share with young people and their families. We share our home with 2 rescued farm cats & 9 chickens & 3 ducks. They all love a cuddle and lots of fuss!
Words from our humans: A Helping Hoof offers equine assisted mentoring sessions to children and young people with additional needs. Our sessions are based on having a positive experience with horses and animals; learning about them, caring for them and building connections with them.