LIfe Skills - Rare Breeds Centre Farm

South of England Rare Breeds Centre

Farm Education / Animal Welfare

Canterbury Oast Trust offers work training placements for people with learning disabilities within the commercial operation of the South of England Rare Breeds Centre. The Farm programme caters for people in the 18-60 age range.

Training programmes are identified following an initial assessment period. Training programmes include the following activities:

Feeding animals - watering animals - cleaning out living areas - preparation for public viewing - checking the welfare of animals - displaying animals at shows -'meet the animal session' with the public - maintaining pens - animal education - advising the public.

Individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for a designated area on the Farm which builds a sense of responsibility, accountability, self-confidence and an element of expertise. Areas of work are regularly reviewed to offer opportunities to expand knowledge and skills. Farm trainees work closely with the Farm Co-Ordinator and Farm support staff in daily programme planning. As this is a commercial business, placements operate over a 7 day rotational schedule.

The assessment period will reflect issues relating to:

• Access
• Health & Safety
• Levels of support
• Aims and objectives
• Programme plans
• Choice of activity
• Risk Assessment

FOR AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION ABOUT FARM PLACEMENTS, PLEASE CALL KELLY ALFORD ON 01233 861493 Extn 231.