Our Holistic Approach
Our provision is designed around each learner’s individual needs and goals.
Rather than focusing solely on qualifications, we focus on personal growth, engagement, and wellbeing — supporting English, Maths, Geography, History, and Life Skills through real-world learning and creative experiences.
We draw inspiration from:
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Therapeutic and holistic education principles
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Outdoor learning and nature-based therapy
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Farm and animal-assisted learning
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Wellbeing and emotional regulation practices
This integrated approach enables learners to rediscover the joy of learning, develop independence, and reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
Our Ethos
We are guided by three simple principles:
🌿 Nurture
We provide a calm, structured environment where learners feel valued and supported. Emotional wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do — because when individuals feel safe and understood, they can truly grow.
🐾 Engage
Our learners engage through meaningful, sensory-rich experiences — feeding animals, planting, building, creating, and exploring. Every task, big or small, builds confidence, independence, and practical life skills.
🌻 Empower
We empower every individual to reach their potential, developing communication, social skills, and resilience. Our holistic approach celebrates progress in all forms — academic, emotional, and personal.
Who We Are
At New Roots Care & Education (NRCE), we believe that growth, learning, and wellbeing are deeply connected to nature.
Set within our vibrant active farm park, we provide a unique environment where children and adults with additional needs can develop confidence, skills, and self-belief through real-world, hands-on experiences.
Our team combines expertise in special educational needs, wellbeing support, and outdoor learning to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring community. Every day is filled with opportunities to learn, explore, and achieve — surrounded by nature, animals, and positive relationships.
“At New Roots, learning doesn’t happen in a classroom alone — it grows in the garden, the stables, and the heart.”
Our Team
Dawn Mason-Meakin
Primary Teacher
David Taylor
Director of Adult Services
Designated
Safeguarding
Lead
Designated
Safeguarding
Lead
Designated
Safeguarding
Lead
Designated
Safeguarding
Lead
Jade Fletcher
Teaching Assistant
jade@nrce.co.uk
Our Setting
Our farm environment offers:
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Open green spaces, gardens, and woodlands
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A range of friendly animals for care and interaction
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Workshops for crafts, practical tasks, and projects
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Outdoor classrooms and wellbeing zones
Every part of our site is used as a learning tool — from planting vegetables to caring for animals, every activity encourages responsibility, teamwork, and reflection.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, holistic, and empowering environment where individuals of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive — guided by nature, care, and compassion
Our Team
Our dedicated team includes experienced educators, wellbeing practitioners, and support staff who share a passion for helping people thrive.
Each member of our team is trained in:
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Supporting learners with a wide range of additional needs
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Safeguarding and positive behaviour support
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Trauma-informed practice and communication strategies
Together, we create a caring community where everyone — learners, families, and staff — feels included and valued.