SOARing Outdoors
Before children and young people can learn in school, we NEED to focus on their social and emotional needs. Nature is an incredible teacher and one that children and young people of today need more than ever.
SOARing Outdoors is a weekly programme, which runs over 12-weeks, where a small group of young people joins OutLET staff in a woodland setting to learn new skills and make new friends.
The group has a high leader-to-learner ratio so that we can support a range of needs. A maximum of 6 young people will attend the programme, however, this may be less depending on the needs of the group. Each session will last for 2 hours per week.
SOARing Outdoors is not just playing in the woods.
It is an early intervention outdoor education delivery model that gives young people the opportunity to learn in natural open spaces. At the core of this is a fundamental respect for children and young people and for their capacity to instigate, test, and maintain curiosity in the world around them. The programme is delivered by highly trained staff with a specific understanding of the effects of developmental trauma and how this affects behaviours.
Referral Criteria
Our 'ideal' referral is a young person aged between 10 & 16 who is at risk of stopping attending or self-excluding from their main educational setting. Anxiety will be causing stress in the home and/or at school and the young person may find it difficult to maintain relationships with peers.
The young person is engaging with another service or attends a club out with school.
This is an early intervention service and is not suitable for those in crisis.
Referrals for SOARing Outdoors can be made by:
- Parents
- Schools
- Social Work
- Third Sector Agency who has regular contact with the young person/family
