Derbyshire alternative equestrian SEND provision set up to help children in limbo land
“So many children with complex needs are in a limbo land with nowhere to go.”
Two Derbyshire women have teamed up to launch a new alternative provision in Clay Cross to support children and adults with complex educational needs.
Jessica Kaur-Nagra, of Derby, an equestrian enthusiast with extensive experience in mental health and SEND education, and her former colleague and a holistic wellbeing practitioner Francesca Whyld, of Homegate, were disillusioned with the lack of support for children and adults living with neurodiversity.
In January the pair launched Dreams and Wonders Wellness Centre - and alternative provision located at Stretton Road in Clay Cross, which offers equine-assisted wellbeing and alternative education sessions designed to support children and adults with complex needs.
Jessica, 32, a mum-of-two, said: “I used to run a yard with horses and last summer Fran, who was my manager at Tesco 12 years ago said she was struggling with her mental health. She asked if she could help with the horses.
“She started coming in in June and I watched her flourish.
“Her mental health and well-being improved when she was working with the horses and it gave her a purpose.
“One afternoon we were sitting down in a field and Fran said we could run this as a service.”
Jessica, who has an MSc in Mental Health and Psychological Wellbeing, specialist training in Adverse Childhood Experiences and has previously worked in a specialist school has decided to give it a go.
She completed additional training in equine assisted learning and equine assisted therapy.
Soon the pair started working together to design a programme, which would offer well-being sessions for children and young people with special educational needs.
Jessica and Fran, started offering first trial sessions in August last year and Dreams and Wonders Wellness Centre CIC was officially established in January with carefully designed programmes to meet different needs.
The centre has proved to be incredibly popular, with Jessica and Fran surprised with how many people were interested in the sessions.
Jessica, self-diagnosed with ADHD, said: “We started trailing last August, and we set up the community interest company in January.
"It's been bonkers ever since.
“We are trying not to have a waiting list because there is so much waiting to get SEND help already.
“The educational system is not designed for children with neurodiversity and it creates its own trauma in itself.
“So many children with complex needs are in a limbo land with nowhere to go.
"We've had a couple of two post 16 students who were originally clients and they've both been out of education for three or four years because they've got quite significant PDA and autism traits. One of them couldn't even get out of the car for three years to go to any appointments.
“Now they're utterly thriving with us.”
All sessions offered by the centre are backed by neuro-science research, and are designed to support those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to help improve their well-being and confidence.
The alternative provision sessions for children over the age of six, were specifically tailored to meet the needs of those with ADHD and AuDHD, ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition),PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) as well as those anxiety, low confidence, attachment difficulties and trauma.
Dreams and Wonders also offer equine-assisted wellbeing, learning, and structured work experience programmes for young adults aged 16 and over, as well as adult programmes assisting with personal growth, emotional balance, and positive change.
The centre offers four, eight and twelve-week programmes, which include one specialist session each week, priced at £50 per session
Additionally, Dreams and Wonders have recently received funding from National Lottery, which means they can offer the four-week programme for just £5 per session until August 2027.
The centre works with nurseries and infant schools to offer play based sessions for three and four-year-olds.
Anyone interested in the sessions can sign up using an online referral form to arrange a consultation.