A Change of Scene for Young People who Struggle to Cope in a School Environment.

What a lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon, petting alpacas, black-faced sheep and goats. Not to mention giant tortoises and a lovely pig called Truffle!. Suzanne and I were being shown around Change of Scene’s assisted outdoor learning facility near Farnham by their CEO, Pam Robinson. They have been based here for 17 years working with young people who struggle to cope in a school environment. Working 1-2-1 with a key worker, learning to care for the 16 species of animals helps them gain the skills and confidence necessary to return to sustainable education and break the cycle of exclusion. For the last couple of years there has been a growing seem of concern as there is a need to depart form their current location in the next few months and despite a number of near misses an alternative location appeared to be beyond their reach. But fortunately, following publicity gained from a BBC a new home will shortly be unveiled, bringing a huge sense of relief to the team at Change of Scene and the 165 young people past and present who have benefitted from spending time with them.