The New Brand and Website

Tan-Seeds-Of-Change-Logo

We are delighted to present the new Seeds of Change website. Following Stable and Wild and The Seeds of Change KMD LTD making the decision to focus in their own regions, we have been working to roll out a full The Seeds of Change KMD (TSOCEquine) rebrand.

The Acorn Centre is important to us at the Seeds of Change as it is our home, The Acorn and  because of what every tiny new Acorn provides, so many opportunities for metaphors and signifies:

As Chaucer wrote “mighty oaks from little acorns grow” and helping the people we work with to start to sow the seeds to enable positive changes in their lives is the focus and purpose of our work here. 

The Centre continues to develop its facilities and services to be able to support many people, children, young people and adults/families to access the support they need.

Find out more about how we facilitate *Personal Development and Growth in an Equine Environment

Cummins Trees Planting

The Seeds Of Change tranquil environment

We wanted to thank Cummins for the hard work they have put in to help us manage the woodland here at The Acorn Centre. We have a relatively new section of woodland, Jane’s Wood, this was planted in memory of Jane Dillon,older sister to our founder Katherine Dillon,who died tragically far too young. During her short life, Jane’s love of horses helped her face many challenges and brought her much comfort. 

Not only does this serve as a living breathing memorial to Jane, but it is also a really beautiful, quiet and private space to explore difficult feelings and express emotions for all of our children, young people and adults too particularly those that have suffered bereavement. 

Walking through this space or simply taking the time to sit on a bench allows every individual who visits,  time and space to feel able to talk about their experiences, share memories and morn their loss, whilst feeling supported. 

Join our team! Coach

little acorn farm photo of the sign

Due to continued expansion, we are currently looking for a positive, enthusiastic and energetic individual to join our coaching team at our site just outside Walgrave in Northamptonshire.

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The Seeds of Change Open Days – June 2023

The Seeds Of Change tranquil environment

This June we are opening our doors to referring bodies, families and individuals to come and have a look at what we can offer here at The Seeds of Change.

You can choose from either Tuesday 20th June or Wednesday 21st June between 3pm and 7pm to visit our 17 acre site for a tour. You will get a taste of what are doing to support the Social, Emotional, Mental Health and Resilience of the children, young people and adults in Northamptonshire, using a combination of equine facilitated learning, cognitive behavioural therapy and our own unique TSOC approach.

Some of the thing the young people say about being here:

“Being here is helping me change my behaviour at school.”

“I tend to get less angry now.”

“I like walking Sparkle (pony), because I feel calm when I am with her.”

BOOK NOW

to secure your place on one of our open days.

CONTACT US

Join our team! Administrator

Administrator – The Seeds of Change

The Seeds of Change is a busy alternative provision, offering placements for young people. Sessions last between and 75mins to a full day. More than 50 young people attend either group or 1.1 sessions each week. We are looking for a motivated cheerful person to join the team to support us with the administration surrounding facilitating the running of the centre.
Our mission: To assist the individual in the many spheres of personal development, growth and learning through the unique interaction that occurs between human and horse.
The purpose of this role is to ensure that the day to day administration of the centre. The role is varied and the post holder will need to demonstrate our culture and ethos when dealing with those that access the provision, potential new attendees and referring bodies, as well as our team of coaches.

Key duties and responsibilitiesRole

To ensure the day to day support of the general admin involved in the running of a busy centre.
To accurately register attendance of young people and following up on non-attendance
Sharing and chasing information with referring bodies
Taking phone calls and handling email enquiries in a professional and courteous manner, passing on messages as appropriate.
Arranging visits
Preparing information regarding programmes and activities
Provide administrative support during meetings, including composing and distributing minutes
Support and tracking progress of young people
Provide support on creation of marketing materials including website and social media.
Record and follow up on staff training
To support the Seeds of Change clients to overcome their barriers to progressing to the next stage of their life, using the TSOC approach while delivering authentic, learner led innovative coaching to meet and exceed individuals’ objectives.

To be an inspiring, innovative and engaging coach, able to support the therapeutic development of young people, whilst also encouraging stretch and gentle challenge to achieve personal or academic goals.

Safeguarding is one of our key priorities and potential applicants should be fully aware of and compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation. It is our aim to provide an environment where young people feel safe and supported and can achieve their full potential.

You will be required to occasionally travel to different sites and therefore it is essential to possess a car and a full driving license.

Core Behaviours

We are looking for someone who embodies our core values. This person will be able to demonstrate that they are a team player who is non- judgemental, accepting, empathetic, inspiring, authentic, flexible, resilient, accountable and can use their initiative. Working as part of an established team who put the needs of young people at the forefront of everything.

High levels of personal resilience, innovation and the ability to remain positive are important qualities to have. Our work is in high demand and there are many more young people with SEMH issues to require our help. Our priority is to supporting them and therefore commitment to the role and the team is essential.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate to possess a good sound working knowledge of working outdoors and preferable with small animals and horses.

Previous experience working within the education sector is an advantage and in particular an understanding of school commissioning and the requirements of the curriculum.

Working within disengaged young people who have SEMH issues or exhibit challenging behaviour is also an advantage.

  • Proficient use of MS 365 and Google docs
  • A-level or relevant Level 3 qualifications
  • Equine knowledge
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organised and able to work under pressure.
  • Responds to change in a positive and proactive way.
  • Relates to people of all ages and levels and can communicate authentically.
  • Commercial business awareness.
  • Respects confidentiality and working within boundaries.
  • High attention to detail
  • Knowledge and experience with social media platforms for business

Remuneration

For full details about the role, please visit the job advertisement here

If you require more information about the roles or our organisation, please feel free to get in touch.

Join our team! Coach

Coach – The Seeds of Change

Due to continued expansion, we are currently looking for a positive, enthusiastic and energetic individual to join our coaching team at our site just outside Walgrave in Northamptonshire.

The role involves delivering our programmes by supporting and developing vulnerable or challenging, disengaged young people using horses, small animals and the natural world.

Role

To support the Seeds of Change clients to overcome their barriers to progressing to the next stage of their life, using the TSOC approach while delivering authentic, learner led innovative coaching to meet and exceed individuals’ objectives.

To be an inspiring, innovative and engaging coach, able to support the therapeutic development of young people, whilst also encouraging stretch and gentle challenge to achieve personal or academic goals.

Safeguarding is one of our key priorities and potential applicants should be fully aware of and compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation. It is our aim to provide an environment where young people feel safe and supported and can achieve their full potential.

Core Behaviours

We are looking for someone who embodies our core values. This person will be able to demonstrate that they are a team player who is non- judgemental, accepting, empathetic, inspiring, authentic, flexible, resilient, accountable and can use their initiative. Working as part of an established team who put the needs of young people at the forefront of everything.

High levels of personal resilience, innovation and the ability to remain positive are important qualities to have. Our work is in high demand and there are many more young people with SEMH issues to require our help. Our priority is to supporting them and therefore commitment to the role and the team is essential.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate to possess a good sound working knowledge of working outdoors and preferable with small animals and horses.

Previous experience working within the education sector is an advantage and in particular an understanding of school commissioning and the requirements of the curriculum.

Working within disengaged young people who have SEMH issues or exhibit challenging behaviour is also an advantage.

  • Maths and English GCSE or equivalent.
  • Previous experience of handling or working with horses, small animals or outdoors
  • Counselling, youthwork or teaching qualification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organised and able to work under pressure.
  • Responds to change in a positive and proactive way.
  • Relates to people of all ages and levels and can communicate authentically.
  • Commercial business awareness.
  • Respects confidentiality and working within boundaries.
  • Works in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
  • Good IT skills are required and as the role develops more emphasis will be on the ability to use technology. Therefore, knowledge or experience of face-to-face media (video, online workshops, facetime, and other interactive platforms) would be an advantage.

Previous experience of any of the following would also be an advantage:

  • coaching in a practical and/or classroom setting.
  • assessing accredited qualifications.
  • working with children with additional learning or behavioural needs.
  • working with vulnerable, challenging, or disengaged children.
  • supporting young people with mental health.

For full details about the role, please visit the job advertisement here

The Seeds of Change are a progressive, forward thinking organisation who are an equal opportunities employer. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience. Applicants who have Specialist mental health or educational experience may be considered at a higher hourly rate.

If you require more information about the roles or our organisation, please feel free to get in touch.

Join our team! OUTDOOR COACH, TSOC

Outdoor Coach – The Seeds of Change

Due to continued expansion, we are currently looking for a positive, enthusiastic and energetic individual to join our coaching team at our site in mid Bedfordshire as an Outdoor Therapeutic Coach .

The role involves delivering our programmes by supporting and developing vulnerable or challenging, disengaged young people using horses, small animals and the natural world. The role is based at our centre in Bedfordshire (MK45) but you may also be may required travel to our other centre in Northamptonshire (NN6)

We can be flexible with the number of weeks of work for the right candidate and these range from 38 weeks per year to a 52 week per year contract depending on the experience of the candidates to meet the needs of the business.

Role

To support the Seeds of Change clients to overcome their barriers to progressing to the next stage of their life, using the TSOC approach while delivering authentic, learner led innovative coaching to meet and exceed individuals’ objectives.

To be an inspiring, innovative and engaging coach, able to support the therapeutic development of young people, whilst also encouraging stretch and gentle challenge to achieve personal or academic goals.

Safeguarding is one of our key priorities and potential applicants should be fully aware of and compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education legislation. It is our aim to provide an environment where young people feel safe and supported and can achieve their full potential.

You will be required to occasionally travel to different sites and therefore it is essential to possess a car and a full driving license.

Core Behaviours

We are looking for someone who embodies our core values. This person will be able to demonstrate that they are a team player who is non- judgemental, accepting, empathetic, inspiring, authentic, flexible, resilient, accountable and can use their initiative. Working as part of an established team who put the needs of young people at the forefront of everything.

High levels of personal resilience, innovation and the ability to remain positive are important qualities to have. Our work is in high demand and there are many more young people with SEMH issues to require our help. Our priority is to supporting them and therefore commitment to the role and the team is essential.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate to possess a good sound working knowledge of working outdoors and preferable with small animals and horses.

Previous experience working within the education sector is an advantage and in particular an understanding of school commissioning and the requirements of the curriculum.

Working within disengaged young people who have SEMH issues or exhibit challenging behaviour is also an advantage.

  • Maths and English GCSE or equivalent.
  • Previous experience of handling or working with horses, small animals or outdoors
  • Counselling, youthwork or teaching qualification.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Highly organised and able to work under pressure.
  • Responds to change in a positive and proactive way.
  • Relates to people of all ages and levels and can communicate authentically.
  • Commercial business awareness.
  • Respects confidentiality and working within boundaries.
  • Works in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
  • Good IT skills are required and as the role develops more emphasis will be on the ability to use technology. Therefore, knowledge or experience of face-to-face media (video, online workshops, facetime, and other interactive platforms) would be an advantage.

Previous experience of any of the following would also be an advantage:

  • coaching in a practical and/or classroom setting.
  • assessing accredited qualifications.
  • working with children with additional learning or behavioural needs.
  • working with vulnerable, challenging, or disengaged children.
  • supporting young people with mental health.

Remuneration

For full details about the role, please visit the job advertisement here

The Seeds of Change are a progressive, forward thinking organisation who are an equal opportunities employer. Salary is negotiable, depending on experience. Applicants who have Specialist mental health or educational experience may be considered at a higher hourly rate.

Closing date 30th November 2022

For more information and to apply for this role, click here.

If you require more information about the roles or our organisation, please feel free to get in touch.

Avian Flu Update – TSOC Centres

With the national increase in the number of incidents of avian flu and the close controls being placed upon anyone keeping birds, we feel it is important to share the procedure that we will have in place across our centres at this time.

We only have a small number of birds on site at each centre, but students will not have access to them during this time.

They are housed in an out of bounds area where entry and exit is only permitted by authorised personnel and there are bio security controls in place for those individuals.

We have robust procedures in place on our risk assessment for contact with any animals or in the barn or field areas and these will be reinforced to all individuals on site.If you have any concerns or further queries, then please feel free to contact us.

If you would like to speak to us about anything related to our courses and sessions, please CONTACT US