This approach benefits learners of any age who need a therapeutic environment and experiences in order to overcome their own difficulties. It can be used to slowly reintegrate individuals into education or to support them to venture out of the house.

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Our animals play a very important role in creating the right environment for our students to learn in and they can create some amazing interactions. Some of our students from last year have transitioned to courses at Brooksby Melton College and to new schools. Others have made exceptional progress in communication, engagement and independent working, contributing to their learning successes and to achievement of their long term goals.

 

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The sessions help learners to gain an understanding of themselves, their own body language, the energy that they are portraying and how that affects their family and others around them. The sessions develop self-esteem, confidence, communication, empathy, problem solving ability, ability to work with others and to cope in what they may perceive as fearful situations.

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Learners can work with a range of animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and geese and dogs as well as goats, pigs and horses. They may progress to training the animal through reward-based, positive reinforcement methods which may progress to teaching tricks or completing agility courses.

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Communication, interaction, fun and relaxation are important during these sessions. Following the sessions, the New Leaf Triangle team can assist in reintegrating learners back into an educational establishment, if required. Sessions are individualised and tailored to the needs of the learner. Learners can attend with staff from another provider, family members if needed but are usually just supported by New Leaf Triangle staff.