Free Home ED ( SEND ) Forest school Age 5 - 16

Join us for a unique Free Home Ed SEND Forest School experience, set within the historic grounds of Pontefract Castle. These sessions are specifically designed for home-educated children and young people (ages 5–16) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Our sessions offer a supportive, low-pressure environment to connect with nature and peers.

We are proud to incorporate the Wild Passport curriculum into our sessions:

• Newbies: Start your journey! You’ll receive your passport and begin working toward your first outdoor competency certificate.
• Returning Explorers: Continue your journey! If you’ve joined us before, bring your passport along to level up and master more advanced outdoor skills.

We are running these sessions on the following Mondays.The sessions are intended to make up a 6 week course but please only book sessions you can make:

• January: 26th
• February: 2nd, 9th, and 23rd (Note: No session on the 16th)
• March: 2nd and 9th

Choose your time slot (Please book either morning or afternoon sessions, not both):

• Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Where: Pontefract Castle (meeting point details provided upon booking).
• Cost: Completely Free.
• What to bring: Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing (warm layers and waterproofs are essential!).

Parking & Arrival

• Parking: Free parking is available in the main Pontefract Castle car park (entrance off Castle Chain). There are designated accessible bays close to the Visitor Centre.
• Meeting Point: look out for our Grow wakefield Signs outside the visitor centre.

• The castle grounds have paved paths, but If you or your child has specific mobility needs, please contact us in advance so we can ensure the site setup is fully accessible for them.
• Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are available within the Castle Visitor Centre.

Weather Policy

• Forest School happens in almost all weathers—we find the mud often adds to the fun! We also have acess to a warm classroom should the weather turn. However, in the event of extreme weather warnings, we may have to cancel for safety.
• We will notify you via the email address used for booking by 8:00 AM on the morning of the session if a cancellation is necessary.

Clothing Requirements

• Layers are key! Even on sunny days, the shade of the trees can be chilly. Please ensure children have a warm coat, hat, and gloves for the Jan/Feb sessions.
• Footwear: Wellies or sturdy walking boots are highly recommended as the site can get muddy.

Please note the shop and cafe will be closed due to winter opening hours onsite.

Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, inclusive experience. Please book your preferred time slot and dates early!

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