WELCOME

to

New Leaf Centre

At New Leaf Centre, we provide holistic support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.

Our nurturing, therapeutic environment and animal-assisted projects help those who struggle in mainstream settings to thrive and reach their full potential.

Trusted Provision

New Leaf Centre recently welcomed representatives from Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council for quality assurance checks. They reviewed our safeguarding protocols, health and safety measures, and pastoral support, expressing high satisfaction with the findings. A follow-up visit later this year will assess teaching outcomes, reinforcing status as a trusted provision.

About Our Centre

The New Leaf Centre is a therapeutic, alternative learning centre, overlooking the fells, just on the outskirts of Penrith. Nestled in a serene rural setting, you will find a sanctuary for growth and education. Every area is meticulously designed to foster a love of learning whilst recognising the needs of neurodivergent learners.

Amongst the coexistence of nature and knowledge, lies a small animal holding, inhabited by goats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, and a resident therapy dog. Our animals aren’t just inhabitants, they play a pivotal role in promoting emotional wellbeing and facilitate learning.

Within our walls, our facilities boast an array of calming learning zones, an immersive sensory room, as well as a fully equipped kitchen which becomes a laboratory for culinary exploration and cultural understanding. A separate building allows creativity to flourish, this vibrant space is dedicated to arts, crafts and woodwork as well as housing a separate break out/relaxation room.

Outside, our expansive gardens serve as a living classroom, where the students experience hands-on learning from seed to harvest and learn the full cycle of sustainability and the value of farm to table practices. In this nurturing environment students not only cultivate green thumbs but also cultivate inner peace and a sense of growth.

With our truly holistic approach, students are invited to take part in our on-site forest activities as well as embracing the great outdoors by enjoying off site visits with experienced instructors. An on-site sports hall for physical education is used weekly to empower students to lead active, healthy lifestyles while fostering essential skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship.

Animals

Animal Assisted Therapy

Our animals play a very important role in supporting learners' who may need a therapeutic environment to overcome difficulties.

Interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve mood, creating a conducive environment for learning. Additionally animals can serve as non-judgemental companions, fostering emotional connections and enhancing social skills.

For individuals who struggle with traditional educational settings, the presence of animals can offer a unique and engaging way to build confidence, self-esteem, and communication.

Education

Holistic Learning Approach

We are an ASDAN approved centre, offering personal development programmes, short courses, accredited curriculum programmes and regulated qualifications.

A bespoke and individualised curriculum is designed for each young person, with a focus on boosting engagement and raising aspirations through meaningful and creative learning opportunities.

Our comprehensive approach ensures that each student receives a well-rounded education that nurtures their unique strengths and supports their holistic development.

Wellness

Promoting Mental Health

We use positive approaches including building on the individuals strengths and creating positive relationships, promoting happiness, wellbeing and self-belief.

Our personal development programmes (PDP) help to achieve this by:

Boosting learners’ confidence and helping them recognise and develop their personal qualities and abilities.
Empowering students by giving them ownership of their learning
Rewarding achievement through certification

Our Mission

To provide a supportive and inclusive space, offering a sense of belonging where every individual's strengths are celebrated and nurtured.