Where Curiosity Grows Wild.
nature-connected learning space for home-educated children
Frampton farm provides a nurturing, nature-connected learning space for home-educated children and those seeking alternatives to traditional schooling. This two-day-a-week program combines farm life with forest school experiences, focusing on hands-on learning, seasonal cycles, and personal development.
The Nature Nook Programme Overview
Taking learning beyond four walls
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 9:30am – 3:00pm | £40 per day | Ages 6–14 years | Launching September 2025
At Frampton Farm, we offer a range of fun, hands-on experiences for young people aged 6 to 14, all rooted in outdoor learning. Each session blends elements of animal care, horticulture, and forest school, giving children the chance to learn through meaningful, real-world tasks in nature.
Tuesdays: The group comes together to help run the farm. Children take part in a range of hands-on activities, including animal care, feeding, taking goats on enrichment walks, gardening, seasonal crafts, and cooking. These meaningful tasks nurture responsibility and strengthen their bond with the land.
Wednesdays: Primarily an outdoor day spent in a special area of the farm. Activities include bushcraft, outdoor play, shelter building, nature exploration, storytelling, horticulture and fire cooking—all designed to deepen children’s connection with the natural world.
Inclusive Learning Environment
At Frampton Farm, we are dedicated to creating a supportive, nurturing, and inclusive space where every child can flourish—especially those who haven’t always felt safe, understood, or successful in traditional education settings.
We recognise that some children may have:
Have experienced school trauma or high anxiety.
Have masked or shut down in group settings
Have struggled with rigid routines or loud, busy classrooms
Have refused school altogether due to overwhelm or unmet needs
At Frampton Farm, we offer an alternative. Each session provides:
Space for movement, calm, and personal choice.
Meaningful connections with animals and nature, which support emotional well-being.
Hands-on learning focused on doing rather than just worksheets.
Gentle social opportunities within a small, caring peer group.
We meet children exactly where they are, without pressure to be anything other than themselves.
Additionally, children can work towards certificates through the AQA Unit Award Scheme, helping to rebuild confidence and pride in their learning, step by step.
Our approach
Relationship-led
We prioritise connection and trust, taking time to get to know each child and support them at their own pace.
Gentle and responsive
There’s no pressure to perform or fit a mold. We follow each child’s interests, needs, and energy, moment by moment, day by day.
Low-demand
Our environment is calm, pressure-free, and choice-based. Participation is always encouraged, never forced.
Sensory-aware
With open space, quiet corners, and predictable rhythms, we support children with sensory sensitivities or those who need freedom to move, rest, or reset.
Flexible
Activities are invitations. Whether your child wants to dig in the garden, warm by the fire, or quietly observe the goats—they’re welcome just as they are.
For Home Educators, Flexi-Schoolers & Those Seeking Alternatives
We welcome:
Families transitioning from school or flexi-schooling and into home education.
Children struggling in mainstream education who need something different.
Home-educated children of all backgrounds.
Neurodivergent children and those with anxiety or sensory sensitivities.
Practical Details -The Nurture Nook Group
Location: Frampton Farm, near Dover / Folkestone. CT15 7AF
Days/Times: Tuesdays & Wednesdays , 9:30am–3:00pm
Ages: 6–14 (flexible depending on need and group).
Fees: £40 per child per day
Commitment & Enrolment
While we understand the importance of building trust and supporting gentle transitions, Frampton Farm is not a one-off drop-off group. It is designed to be a consistent, stable community that children can grow within over time.
To support this:
We offer taster sessions and optional settling-in periods at the beginning to help families feel confident.
Once a child is enrolled, we ask for a minimum commitment of one term, with a 4-week notice period required if you wish to withdraw your child.
A deposit will be required upon enrolment to secure your place and support sustainability of the group.
This structure helps us create a settled, bonded group of children who feel safe, familiar, and connected — and allows us to plan staff and resources appropriately for the best experience possible.
Optional Certification & Qualifications
AQA Unit Award Scheme
We offer students of all ages and abilities the chance to earn AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) certificates in animal care, horticulture, forest school, and life skills. The UAS recognises achievement in a flexible, accessible way, with each unit focusing on a specific skill. It’s ideal for students who may find traditional assessments difficult, including those with SEND or SEMH needs. This approach helps build confidence, motivation, and self-esteem through achievable goals and nationally recognised certificates that celebrate each student’s learning journey.
AQA is available to do during the Nature Nook Programme.
City & Guilds NVQ Qualifications
Coming September 2025 – City & Guilds NVQ at Frampton Farm We’re proud to announce that from September 2025, Frampton Farm will become an approved City & Guilds NVQ centre. Students will have the opportunity to work towards recognised qualifications in Animal Care and Horticulture through hands-on, practical sessions.
Courses available:
Level 1 Practical Horticulture – Ages 11 +
Level 2 Animal Care – Ages 12+
Level 1 Land-Based Studies – Ages 14+
NVQ courses are available on separate days to the Nature Nook Programme. Click here to find out more
Reviews
Our Customers Say!!!
Katie B
Tripadvisor
My son visits this farm once a week through school . He has ADHD and ASD and everyone at the farm have really made an impact on his life in general! We were very kindly invited as a family to visit and see what H gets up to on his visits . We all had the best time the whole feel of the farm is relaxing, Calm and Happy 😊. All the animals are so very well looked after which you can tell by how affectionate they are ❤️. Thank you.
Ebony V
Tripadvisor
We had such a lovely experience during our visit, feeding the lamb and holding the baby goats. Zenan was a great tour guide.
Lisylou
Tripadvisor
This has been on my bucket list for a very long time but I didn't want to do it in a crowded environment with lots of people who may scare the animals. Frampton Farm was exceptional we had a private visit of 4 adults it was educational and a lot of fun interacting with the baby lambs and goats and all the other animals that are looked after on the farm. We were lucky enough to feed the lambs and the whole experience was so memorable. We have a grandson who is 2 and we hope to return with him next year when is a little bit older and understands more. Thank you to Karen and the team for an amazing experience we highly recommend this experience.
Tricia S
Tripadvisor
An outstanding visit. The owners have really taken a corner of the market in an excellent fashion. I’ve taken most of my Grandchildren round and each experience has been different, but just as enjoyable!! An excellent attraction!
Company
About Us Contact Us Family Visits Alternative Education School Trips Enrichment Sessions Young Farmers Club HOW TO FIND US FAQs & HelpContact
Frampton Farm, Hougham Court Lane, Church Hougham, Dover, Kent CT15 7AF
01304 279104 (leave a message)
info@framptonfarm.co.uk
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