Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning

Elysian is a pioneering Independent Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Therapeutic services provider, offering a holistic, nurturing, and innovative approach to supporting children, young people, and adults with a wide range of needs. Our farm-based provisions integrate education, therapy, alternative provision, and animal-assisted interventions (AAI) to create an engaging, supportive, and impactful environment for learning, growth, and development.

Who We Are

At Elysian, we believe in creating opportunities for every individual to thrive, particularly those who have struggled in mainstream settings due to anxiety, ASD, ADHD, school phobia, trauma, social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, and other developmental difficulties.

Our provisions are registered Independent Secondary SEN Schools, with a focus on specialist, therapeutic, and outdoor learningapproaches tailored to individual needs. We provide full-time education placements for ages 11-17, alongside therapeutic programmes, alternative provision, and outreach services.

We operate across multiple sites in Surrey and Hampshire, each offering education, therapy, and farm-based learning experiences:

• Shamley      Green (Westland Farm, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN      School
  • Registered       for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17
  • Specialising       in alternative learning environments, therapeutic education, and       animal-assisted learning
  • Offers       full-time and part-time educational placements, alongside outreach and       therapy programmes
• West      Horsley (Hillside, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
  • Registered       for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17
  • Focuses       on individualised learning, core curriculum subjects, and therapeutic       interventions
  • Includes       animal-assisted therapy, outdoor education, and vocational learning       opportunities
• Liss      (Janche Stables, Hampshire) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
  • Registered       for up to 45 pupils aged 11-17
  • Provides       a flexible, structured curriculum combined with therapy and       alternative learning pathways
  • Focuses       on transition support, employability skills, and personal development
• Froxfield      (Staple Ash Farm, Hampshire) – A developing AP provision
  • Supports       education, outreach, training, and community engagement
  • Expanding       to enhance therapeutic learning and vocational opportunities

What We Do

Elysian provides a wide range of education and therapeutic services, ensuring that young people receive the individualised support they need to succeed. Our core services include:

• Independent      SEN Education (Registered Schools)
  • Full-time       and part-time education placements for young people aged 11-17
  • A broad       and engaging curriculum, integrating core subjects, vocational       learning, and outdoor education
  • Small       group and 1:1 teaching approaches tailored to each learner’s needs
  • A multi-disciplinary       team including teachers, therapists, and intervention specialists
• Alternative      Provision & Outreach
  • Blended       learning packages and flexible educational programmes for       learners unable to access mainstream schooling
  • Outreach       support across Surrey and Hampshire, working with local       authorities and commissioning partners
• Therapy      & Therapeutic Programmes
  • On-site       Occupational Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Play Therapy, and       Counselling
  • Therapeutic       group sessions, intervention programmes, and 1:1 support
  • A       strong focus on emotional regulation, confidence-building, and social       skills development
• Animal-Assisted      Interventions (AAI)
  • Working       with horses, dogs, reptiles, and small animals to facilitate       therapeutic and educational engagement
  • Supporting       young people with anxiety, trauma, and social-emotional difficulties      through structured activities
• Further      and Adult Education
  • Professional       training and qualifications in animal-assisted interventions, SEND       education, and trauma-informed approaches
• Events,      Training, and Community Engagement
  • Regular       workshops, CPD training, and networking opportunities
  • School       visits, open days, and community projects

Our Team & Ethos

At Elysian, we value passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to support young people. Our team includes:

• Teachers      and education staff who bring creativity, adaptability, and a      commitment to making learning meaningful for every child.
• Therapists      and intervention specialists who use innovative, evidence-based      methods to support emotional well-being and personal growth.
• Equine      and animal specialists who facilitate therapeutic and educational      interactions with our animals.
• Operational      and support staff who ensure the smooth running of our provisions and      help maintain a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment.

All of our staff work within a trauma-informed, child-centred framework, recognising that relationships, trust, and consistency are key to learning and development. We embrace a non-traditional, flexible approach, ensuring that young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to progress in their education and personal growth.

Why Work With Us?

Joining Elysian means becoming part of an innovative, dynamic, and passionate team that is changing lives every day. We offer:

• A      unique and rewarding work environment – Our farm-based and outdoor      learning settings create a positive and engaging space to work.
• Professional      development and training – We provide ongoing training in trauma-informed      practice, SEND education, animal-assisted interventions, and therapeutic      approaches.
• Opportunities      for career progression – As Elysian continues to grow, we are      committed to developing and promoting staff into leadership and      specialist roles.
• A      strong, supportive team culture – We value teamwork, creativity, and a      shared commitment to supporting young people in achieving their full      potential.

Join Our Team

We are always looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our team in a range of roles. Due to expansion we are frequently recruiting a wide range of roles, including:

• Teachers      & Education Leaders (QTS & non-QTS roles available)
• Therapeutic      & Support Staff (Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants,      Occupational Therapy Assistants, and Intervention Specialists)
• Animal-Assisted      Intervention Specialists (Equine Leads, Farm Workers, and Animal      Therapists)
• Strategic      Leadership & Operations (Deputy Heads, Managers)
• Communications      & Business Development (Marketing, Events, and Outreach roles)

For more information about us:
🌍 www.elysianuk.org/work-with-us/

For recruitment enquiries, email:
📧 recruit@elysianuk.org

For training and development opportunities, visit:
🌍 www.elysiandevelopment.org
📧 courses@elysianuk.org

We look forward to welcoming like-minded, passionate professionals to Elysian – a place where education, therapy, and nature come together to create transformative learning experiences for young people.