Outdoor Provision
A therapeutic, relationship-led outdoor environment for children and young people who may benefit from a different experience to the school classroom.
Free2Be provides small-group outdoor provision for pupils who may be struggling with attendance, confidence, emotional wellbeing, sensory overwhelm or engagement with school. The emphasis is on building trust, confidence and connection through meaningful experiences, supportive relationships and time spent in nature.
Who might benefit?
This provision may be suitable for children and young people who:
- Find the school environment overwhelming
- Experience anxiety around attending school
- Struggle with confidence or self-esteem
- Benefit from practical and sensory experiences
- Have SEND, SEMH or neurodiverse needs
- Find it difficult to build relationships with peers
- Need a calmer environment to feel safe and engaged
- Would benefit from time away from the demands of a busy classroom
What makes Free2Be different?
Therapeutic foundations
The provision is led by a qualified child and adolescent counsellor. While sessions are not counselling or therapy, they are informed by therapeutic principles including acceptance, compassion, emotional safety and relationship-building.
Child-led approach
Young people are encouraged, not pressured. Participation develops through trust and curiosity rather than expectation.
Small groups
Small cohort sizes allow each young person to be known, understood and supported as an individual.
Indoor and outdoor spaces
Children can access both outdoor environments and indoor facilities, allowing flexibility throughout the year.
A typical day at Free2Be
No two sessions are exactly the same. Activities may include:
- Cooking over a fire
- Growing fruit, vegetables and flowers
- Caring for the environment
- Creative projects
- Den building and shelter building
- Whittling and practical skills
- Seasonal activities
- Hammock time and quiet reflection
- Nature exploration
- Teamwork and shared tasks
Young people are given time to engage at their own pace. Some may initially prefer to observe, sit quietly or spend time regulating themselves before joining activities. This is recognised as part of the process rather than something that needs to be fixed.
Why schools choose Free2Be
- Qualified therapeutic practitioner
- Private rural setting
- Small group provision
- Indoor and outdoor facilities
- Relationship-led approach
- Flexible and responsive support
- Existing experience working alongside schools
Referral information
We work in a group of a maximum of 6 children with two adults, Kirsty Ward, health and wellbeing support, and Stanka Smith, outdoor activities facilitator.
We cater for children and young people from primary and secondary school up to 18 yrs old.
We work on a weekly basis, with each group of children coming together once a week throughout the school term.
We are flexible in our approach and make changes to what we do to suit the needs of each group. If you have any specific requirements, please drop us a line and we can talk through what you need.