RE: Work experience-farm related

Lindsey Edwards — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:27:22 GMT

There are 'social farming schemes 'in some areas specifically placing volunteers into supportive farms. Would be worth enquiring for availability within local support systems or charities?

RE: Work experience-farm related

Michael Woodhouse — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 23:09:56 GMT

Simple answers first - no problem working on a farm under 16. Not sure I've seen much of a shift in views over health and safety over the last 20 years. No reason not to make personal contact with the farmer, but ideally phone up or call in. Much easier if you have an introduction from a mutual party.

Autism and special education needs do complicate things. Farmers are busy people and may lack the skills needed to manage some of the more severely affected individuals. I guess if the parents think the teenager would, at some point, be capable of passing a driving test and independent living, then it would be easier. Some autistic people cannot live without constant care and supervision, and then it would be much more difficult.

Have a look here:

https://www.camphillvillagetrust.org.uk/locations/botton-village/

There will be somewhere suitable, and it will depend on the person. Perhaps open farms that are used to visits from SEN kids may be better equipped to cope.

Good luck, not sure I've really helped.