Training Projects
We deliver a range of accredited training projects for adult students with learning disabilities at Surrey Docks Farm. Each training project has a specific focus, and runs on a set day of the week for 40 weeks of the year from 10am to 3pm.
How it works
- Sessions are participant led and students are given a wide range of choice in the areas of horticulture, animal husbandry, food preparation, retail and farm maintenance.
- Students develop practical skills and knowledge as part of a sociable team, engaging with the wider farm community and visitors.
- New students are invited for a tour of the Farm to see if the space is right for them. We also offer a free taster day, so potential students can decide if the project is for them.
- Each training project has a ratio of one Training Coordinator to four students, in addition where possible volunteers are recruited specifically to help the delivery of the project.
- The Farm is not able to provide personal care. Students can attend with their own support worker if any one-to-one support is required.
- Places are funded by personal budgets authorised by Social Services this would need to be arranged in advance.
- Students attend from a range of boroughs, but need to provide their own transport and lunch.
Life on the farm
Our projects
Plot to Shop
Students work as a team to grow a range of fruit and vegetables that they harvest and sell through our farm shop. Students gain horticulture, retail, customer service and life skills. This project runs on Thursday and Fridays.
Cow Pat
Students are responsible for the daily animal care routines, working with a wide range of our livestock from rabbits to sheep to donkeys. One of the popular activities is taking our ponies out for a walk along the Thames path. This project runs on Fridays.
New Leaf
Students tend their own vegetable plots – choosing what they want to grow, planting seeds, caring for the young plants and harvesting vegetables to take home. This project has been running at the Farm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays for over 25 years!
Farm Produce
Students develop a range of cooking skills – from processing and producing jams, to baking bread or making pasta – with ingredients harvested from the Farm wherever possible. Students also learn rural crafts such as felt making with wool from our own sheep. Farm Produce runs on Wednesday and Thursdays.
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