Alternative Provision

Monksley Alternative Provision,  Canine Intervention, Dog Handling and Animal Assisted Learning. 

Our provisions are within a 12 acre rural setting on the Wiltshire and Somerset border at Rode Common Farm, situated between Frome and Trowbridge.  It comprises of a paddocks, hardstanding yards, kennels, barn area, indoor classroom with kitchen and student toilet facilities. Animals at the farm include, dogs, ponies and usually a selection of goats, sheep, chickens and lizards.  We are included on the Somerset and Wiltshire Alternative provisions data base and have experience working for individual School, Trusts, directly with the Somerset & Wiltshire County Council, Frome Learning Partnership, Child Social Care, Violence Reduction Unit and LifeBeat.

Each session, course and intervention is tailored to fit and complement the young persons needs and capabilities. Guided and adjusted by the information we receive in referral , EHCP, or ILP and reviews.

We are a recognised AQA Unit Award Centre and work in partnership with the International School for Canine Psychology.  Every student is given the opportunity to work towards an AQA Award Based Unit. 

A brief outline of our role :

To facilitate a 1 to 1 / small group course of dog handling sessions. 

  • To build a fun engaging experience that nurtures confidence, participation and resilience through working with dogs and other animals.
  • To plan and adjust according to the needs of the individual, a series of interventions focussing on dog handling, training and understanding of dogs and other animals and their needs.
  • To reengage the young person in listening and learning. To help them to commit to an activity and focus on responsibility.
  • To build their confidence in themselves and their self-worth.
  • To build respect for themselves.
  • To encourage confidence in working with adults.
  • To relay concerns and progress to the referral
  • To learn transferable skill
  • To encourage and support, where appropriate, reintegration to part or full time educational settings.
  • Students  have the opportunity to work with puppies and young dogs, following the Puppy Culture Programme.
  • Focussed learning includes basic dog training skills, luring, capturing and shaping. 

All sessions are adapted to the present needs of the young person to ensure that they feel confident and positive with their achievements. 

The skills learnt are transferable within various aspect of life and employment including,

  • Decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-awareness and empathy  
  • Ability to cope with emotions and cope with stress  
  • Feeling of empowerment
  • Ability to develop healthy connections with others
  • Creative thinking and critical thinking skills

Upon accepting the referral the student is invited for an initial meeting . This can be held at the AP classroom in Southwick, the school or family home. The student is able to meet the animals, view the setting and contribute to plan their own goals. ( Home visits may be available for students with severe anxiety and additional medical needs.)

The interventions usually consist of a series of 2 hour sessions but can be longer. Ideally a referral will be a minimum term of 6 weekly sessions but many are on going for the academic year or longer.

Additional information. 

Transport, snacks and lunch can be provided on request. Help accessing public spaces, cafes, appointments, exams and interviews can be provided.

If our provision is of interest, or you would like to discuss anything further, please contact me on  Ann Swift 07973675382 monksley@btinternet.com

Click on the following links to download the policy documents

Data Protection Policy

Lockdown Procedure Code of Conduct
Evacuation and Fire Policy First Aid Policy Health and Safety Policy
Risk Assessment Risk Assessment Transporting Pupils Risk Assessment Walk
Safegarding and Child Protection Whistleblowing Policy Complaints Policy




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