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Lower Bush Farm is a North Open College Network (NOCN) centre, through which we offer Level 1 and 2 qualifications that cover Animal Care, Carpentry, and Horticulture, enabling students aged 14+ to develop skills while gaining valuable work experience.  We aim to develop confidence, independence, and practical competence, preparing learners for further education or entry into vocational careers.

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Animal Care: learners explore the fundamentals of caring for a variety of animals, including feeding, handling, and basic health checks, fostering a deep understanding of animal welfare and responsibility.

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Carpentry: students acquire basic woodworking skills by creating simple projects, building animal enclosures, and learning safe tool handling

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Horticulture: students develop practical gardening skills, including planting, pruning, and crop management.  The farm has several different types of gardens, orchards, woodlands, and veg patches.

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Forest School: for young students and for those for whom qualifications are not appropriate, there are Forest School sessions.  The focus is on outdoor learning through quality play,  bushcraft, and team projects.  Sessions build confidence, teamwork, and a connection to the natural environment.

 

At Lower Bush Farm, we are committed to using a child-centred approach where students feel valued and empowered to pursue their interests. Our experienced staff collaborate with each student, tailoring their learning pathways to meet individual needs and aspirations.

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The farm management is committed to collaborating with all partner agencies, such as schools and social workers, to enhance student welfare and educational success.  We will address challenges quickly by ensuring that the farm has a designated contact person for each student at each placement agency.