Based at our training centre and gardens in Highgate our horticultural programme is designed to cater for people with a wide variety of interests, goals and support needs. The site offers a variety of outdoor environments in which to learn horticulture including a formal garden, vegetable plots and a conservation area.

We offer two horticultural programmes:

SKILLS PATHWAY – HORTICULTURE
Aimed at young people aged 16-24, this is a holistic programme that develops learners' gardening skills as well as life-skills and transferable skills vital for successful employment. It prepares learners who need additional support to enter mainstream training, further education and work. The training is funded by the Young People's Learning Agency.

DAY SERVICE
The Day Service provision offers horticultural training of a more therapeutic nature to adults with a learning disability or mental health support needs. It is a flexible programme dependent on individual needs and includes basic skills support.
To find out more click here

SKILLS PATHWAY – HORTICULTURE
What do we have to offer?

• Free training for young people with learning difficulties / disabilities and other support needs funded by the Young People's Learning Agency.
  
• An individually tailored programme, the length and content of which is matched to individual needs and goals.
  
• Full-time training, usually four days per week
  
  Qualifications on offer:
  
• City and Guilds Skills for Working Life (Land-based) - Entry 2 & 3
  
• City and Guilds Practical Horticulture Level 1
  
• City and Guilds Work Based Horticulture Level 1
  
  

A typical programme includes:

• Training in gardening skills at the Harington site, including work experience placements.
  
• Help with reading, writing and maths and ICT
  
• Personal development
  
• Independent living skills as appropriate
  
• Help finding a job, further training or further education
  
• A ready for work programme for people who would like to get a job
  
• Functional skills, life and social skills training and qualifications
  
• Support into employment / FE with follow up and aftercare support
  
• An annual residential outward bound course
  … and lots more!
  

Not sure about training in gardening? Why not try it out as part of our Skills Pathway: Choices Programme? Click here for more details

Learners Comments:
Stacey: “I enjoy raking, digging and working in the greenhouse. I also meet a lot of nice people here. I think more women should do gardening, because it’s not just for men, it’s hard work but it’s fun!”

Martin, “I get on with everyone, I like digging, doing planting, doing woodwork and computers. It’s very good – I’m outside a lot”

DAY SERVICE
What do we have to offer?

• Valued daytime activity for people with learning disabilities
  
• Service users can attend the Harington and engage in a range of horticultural activities in a very supportive environment. Our staff, as well as being qualified horticultural trainers, are very experienced in working with this client group
  
• Individually tailored training / activity programmes which can be part-time (half a day for 4 days a week or as required) or full time.
  
• Support with basic skills and communication skills
  
• A free initial assessment during the first few sessions.
  

Funding
The day service fees are based on a daily rate, usually funded by social services.

Interested?
Call our Recruitment Team on 020 8341 3657

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