Alternative Provision, Shetland Pony Club, Cobham, Surrey

Not every child fits into the traditional classroom — and that’s okay. With Shetland Pony Club’s Alternative Provision, we create a nurturing and therapeutic alternative for children and young people who need a different approach to learning and emotional support.

Whether a child is struggling with physical challenges, ASD, ADHD, or simply isn’t thriving in a mainstream setting, we offer something special — a place to feel calm, confident, and connected.

What We Offer

Shetland Pony Club’s Alternative Provision offers a unique, nurturing, and therapeutic learning environment for children and young people who may not thrive within mainstream educational settings. Through our bespoke, equine-focused sessions, we foster emotional well-being, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through hands-on experiences with our much-loved Shetland ponies.

Our Unique Offer for Alternative Provision

Equine-Assisted Learning: Children work directly with our gentle and intuitive Shetland ponies, building trust, empathy, and communication skills in a calm, natural setting. This method supports emotional regulation and mental health in a way that traditional classrooms cannot.
Licenced and Qualified – Shetland Pony Club holds a 5 Star Animal Welfare Licence from Elmbridge Borough Council. Our team hold Safeguarding certificates; are DBS checked and hold first aid qualifications.
Therapeutic Outdoor Education: Based in the countryside, our sessions are held in a safe, structured, low arousal and peaceful outdoor environment. Time spent in nature alongside animals has been shown to reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem, and improve focus.
ABRS+ certification – We are Approved by the Association of British Rising Schools (ABRS+) and operate to their standards. We offer ABRS+ qualifications of appropriate levels: ABRS+ Rosette Awards and ABRS+ Equestrian Care Awards.

What Children Receive

Individualised Support: We offer small-group sessions of up to 4 children, tailored to each child’s needs and abilities. We off a high staff to student ratio and bespoke provision at a student-led pace.
Non-judgemental Environment: We understand that every child’s journey is different. At Shetland Pony Club, children are met with patience, understanding, and encouragement, with a focus on progress over performance.
Skill Building for Life: Through pony care, grooming, leading and observational learning, children develop responsibility, routine, coordination, teamwork, and self-discipline, making friends along the way. These are all transferable skills for life and learning.
Flexible Engagement: We work in partnership with parents, schools, local authorities, and other agencies to provide short- or long-term placements, integrating with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) where appropriate.

Who We Support

At Shetland Pony Club, we believe that every child deserves a place to feel safe, valued, and capable. Through the healing power of ponies and nature, we offer a path to personal growth, renewed confidence, and joy in learning.

Our Alternative Provision is suitable for:

Ages 5-14
Autism
ADHD and ADD
Some physical disabilities
Groups of 4 children only – children need to be able to be in small groups
Subject to suitability approval based on EHCP / evaluation and satisfactory welcome visits and trial sessions

We run Alternative Provision for children who: