Enhancing educational opportunities for Elmbridge children is a key priority for Walton Charity. Recently, we awarded a three-year grant of £15,000 to Three Rivers Academy. This will enable the school to take a group of 36 vulnerable students, aged 11-14, to experience life on Jamie’s Farm.

Jamie’s Farm provides unique residential programmes for vulnerable students at risk of exclusion or struggling with social, emotional, and mental health issues. This support is crucial as suspension and exclusion rates are rising, according to the Department for Education.

Walton Charity supported the first group of student to attend the farm back in 2023.

During their four-night stay, the 12 students immersed themselves in farm life, taking responsibility for chores around the farm and working closely with the animals. Living and working together as an extended family, they cooked their own meals and took turns in small groups to cook for the whole group.

Evaluations have shown how this hands-on experience helps build self-esteem and confidence. For example, one student with additional needs, who had been struggling and receiving sanctions for disruptive behaviour at school, was invited to work with the farm’s sheep dog. The owner noted he was one of the most competent youngsters she had ever seen working with the dog and saw real potential in him for working with dogs and the land. This experience has led the student to consider a career working outdoors. It has also improved his relationships with staff, especially those who accompanied him on the trip.

Following the four-night residential, Jamie’s Farm allocate a professional therapy coordinator to provide both one-on-one and group sessions to support each child. They offer encouragement and visits to help students integrate their new skills into daily life.

There have been many positive outcomes from the recent trip and meaningful relationships have been fostered. We hope this grant will empower the students to improve their behaviour, engagement, and wellbeing, and gain essential life skills.

Last year, Walton Charity awarded £135,000 in grants to local schools to support learning and enrichment activities. Additionally, we provided another £75,000 to 23 schools through our Opportunities Funds, helping to finance clubs, trips, uniforms, food, and mental health support for disadvantaged pupils.