Nurture & Nature
The Orchard’s Animal-Based Foundation Programme
Nurture & Nature is The Orchard’s structured, non-accredited Foundation Programme using animal care, nature and meaningful practical responsibilities to support learning and personal development.
Designed for learners who benefit from a calm, nurturing and hands on approach, the programme provides opportunities to build positive relationships, develop confidence and experience genuine responsibility within a supportive environment.
Through caring for and learning about animals, learners can develop:
Confidence and emotional awareness
Communication and positive relationships
Empathy, patience and trust
Independence and responsibility
Practical knowledge and competence
Teamwork and problem-solving
English, mathematics, science and digital skills
Employability and preparation for adulthood
Working with animals can provide a calming, motivating and highly therapeutic educational experience. Nurture & Nature may support wellbeing, emotional regulation and engagement, but it is an educational programme with therapeutic value, not clinical therapy or mental-health treatment.
Learners do not need previous animal-care experience or plans for an animal-related career. The wider skills developed through the programme can support progression across education, volunteering, employment and everyday adult life.
Connecting with animals. Developing confidence. Growing skills for life.
What Learners Explore
Nurture & Nature uses animal care and nature-based experiences as a meaningful context for structured learning.
Depending on the learner’s age, starting point, intended outcomes and the animals available, learning may include:
Understanding animals’ basic needs
Providing food, water and suitable living environments
Safe and respectful interaction with animals
Recognising animal behaviour and communication
Supporting cleanliness, comfort and everyday care
Learning about health, welfare and responsible ownership
Following routines and using equipment safely
Developing environmental awareness
Completing practical tasks individually and with others
English, mathematics, science and digital skills are embedded naturally throughout the programme. Learners may read instructions, record information, measure quantities, explore animal biology, communicate their observations and use technology to support their learning.
Every activity has an educational purpose. The emphasis is not simply on spending time with animals, but on developing knowledge, practical competence and transferable skills for life.
Specific activities are selected and adapted by The Orchard according to individual needs, safety, suitability and intended placement outcomes.
A Progressive Learning Journey
Nurture & Nature supports learners to progress from supported participation towards greater confidence, responsibility and independence.
Stage 1 - Building Foundations
Learning Skills • Building Confidence • Staying Safe
Learners are introduced to animals, routines and the learning environment at a pace appropriate to their starting point.
The focus is on:
Feeling safe and developing trust
Building positive relationships
Engaging with predictable routines
Learning to approach and work around animals safely
Developing confidence and communication
Understanding the foundations of responsible animal care
Beginning to recognise how their actions affect animal welfare
Stage 2 -Growing Independence
Growing Skills • Taking Responsibility • Becoming More Independent
As learners become ready, they are supported to apply their knowledge with greater independence and take increasing responsibility for appropriate practical tasks.
The focus develops to include:
Observing animals and responding appropriately
Making safe and informed choices
Completing routines with fewer prompts
Developing practical competence
Communicating concerns and asking for help
Working cooperatively with others
Strengthening resilience and problem-solving
Preparing for further learning and future opportunities
These stages are part of The Orchard’s non-accredited Foundation Programme and should not be confused with City & Guilds qualification levels. Progress is based on each learner’s individual starting point, needs and intended outcomes.
Learning Through Animals and Nature
Nurture & Nature brings together practical animal care, personal development and wider educational learning.
Through purposeful activities, learners may have opportunities to:
Care for animals within safe, structured routines
Develop empathy, patience and respectful behaviour
Practise communication and teamwork
Build confidence, resilience and emotional regulation
Take increasing responsibility for practical tasks
Use mindfulness and reflection to recognise their progress
Apply English, mathematics, science and digital skills
Explore employability and professional behaviours
Connect learning to everyday life and preparation for adulthood
Predictable routines and consistent relationships help learners understand what is expected while giving them the security to try new experiences and develop greater independence.
Every learner follows an individual journey. Activities, expectations and support are adapted according to their starting point, intended outcomes and readiness to progress.
Recognising Progress and Achievement
Every learner begins Nurture & Nature from their own individual starting point. Progress is recognised through personal development, practical learning and the learner’s growing ability to use their skills in different situations.
Development may be seen across areas such as:
Engagement, confidence and wellbeing
Communication and positive relationships
Empathy and respectful interaction
Emotional awareness and self-regulation
Animal-care knowledge and practical competence
Independence and responsibility
Teamwork, resilience and problem-solving
Employability and professional behaviour
Preparation for further learning and adulthood
Evidence may include practical activities, learner reflection, discussion, photographs and tutor observations. Where applicable, progress can also contribute towards commissioned placement outcomes, including EHCP and Preparation for Adulthood priorities.
Achievements are recorded through The Orchard Growth Passport, providing a meaningful picture of how the learner is developing, not simply a record of the activities they have completed.
Every starting point is different. Every step forward matters.
Animals provide the connection. Skills create the opportunities. Growth opens the future.
Where Nurture & Nature Can Lead
Nurture & Nature helps learners develop the confidence, practical skills and readiness needed to consider their next step.
Depending on their age, interests and individual goals, progression may include:
The Orchard’s Level 1 vocational pathway for learners aged 14–16
Post-16 vocational study at The Orchard
Further education or training with another provider
Supported internships
Volunteering and community participation
Employment and work-related opportunities
Greater independence and preparation for adult life
From September 2027, The Orchard intends to introduce City & Guilds Animal Care qualifications from Levels 1–3, subject to approval, demand and availability. The planned Level 3 offer may include an optional specialist dog-grooming route.
Learners do not need to be planning a career with animals. The confidence, empathy, communication, responsibility, teamwork and problem-solving developed through Nurture & Nature can transfer into many areas of education, employment and everyday life.
Accessing Nurture & Nature
The complete Nurture & Nature Foundation Programme is available through a commissioned Alternative Provision placement for learners aged 8–16.
Placements may be commissioned by:
Schools and academies
Local Authorities
Virtual Schools
SEND services
Early Help services
Children’s Social Care
Other authorised commissioning teams
Every referral is considered individually. Before offering a placement, we consider the learner’s strengths and interests, communication, support needs, health and safety, intended outcomes and suitability for an active animal-care and outdoor environment.
Selected animal- and nature-based enrichment activities may also feature within our separately funded Home Education Groups. These sessions are not the complete Nurture & Nature Foundation Programme and do not include commissioned placement planning, formal progress reporting or specialist individual support.
Discuss a Nurture & Nature Placement
If you are a school, Local Authority or authorised commissioning professional, use our Placements & Referrals form to tell us about the learner, their intended outcomes and the support being considered.
A placement is offered only where The Orchard is satisfied that it can meet the learner’s needs safely, appropriately and meaningfully.
Looking for parent funded enrichment rather than commissioned Alternative Provision?