East Boldon Alternative Education Provision

East Boldon Alternative Education Provision Alternative Education Provision Centre specialising in Equine, Sport, Construction & 1-1 SEN support.

04/09/2026

⚽ A FANTASTIC FIRST DAY BACK | RECREATIONAL SPORT PATHWAY 💚

What a brilliant way to begin the new term at East Boldon Alternative Provision.

Today wasn’t simply about returning to lessons. It was about reconnecting, rebuilding routines, listening to our young people and looking forward to what we can achieve together this year.

We began our morning by taking time to settle back in, reconnect with one another and talk about expectations for the term ahead.

Most importantly, we listened.

We asked our young people what they would like to achieve, what they enjoyed previously and what they would like to build upon this year.

Because at EBAP, we believe young people’s voices should be part of shaping their educational experience.

📚 LEARNING WITH PURPOSE

Our morning continued with Maths and English, alongside the pastoral conversations and support that form such an important part of everyday life at EBAP.

PSHE isn’t always something that needs to happen in isolation.

Conversations around choices, expectations, relationships, communication, wellbeing, responsibility and future aspirations can happen naturally throughout the day — helping young people connect learning with the world around them.

Then it was time for the next part of the day…

🚌 Onto the minibus and off to explore our new sports facilities!

Our Recreational Sport learners had the opportunity to take part in football practice before accessing the on-site gym.

But once again, the activity itself was only part of the learning.

⚽ Working together as a team
🤝 Communicating with one another
💪 Building confidence
🎯 Setting individual goals
🧠 Making decisions
👏 Encouraging others
❤️ Supporting positive physical and emotional wellbeing
⭐ Experiencing achievement

It was fantastic to watch our young people communicating, cooperating and working alongside one another so positively.

We also explored what else the centre can offer our learners throughout the year.

🏊 Swimming
🥊 Boxing
🏸 Badminton
🎱 Snooker
🎾 Squash
🏋️ Gym activities
⚽ Football
…and much more.

Again, learner voice mattered.

We talked about the different opportunities available and listened to which activities our young people would like to experience and develop further.

Because Recreational Sport at EBAP isn’t simply about being physically active.

It’s an opportunity to develop teamwork, communication, resilience, self-discipline, confidence, healthy routines and positive relationships — skills that extend far beyond sport.

And this is only day one.

Seeing the smiles, engagement and teamwork today has made us incredibly excited about what this group can achieve together over the coming term.

Real experiences. Purposeful learning. Young people having a voice in their future.

When practical skills, collaboration and purposeful learning come together, the results speak for themselves. 🌱From buil...
26/08/2026

When practical skills, collaboration and purposeful learning come together, the results speak for themselves. 🌱

From building the Greenhouse to preparing, planting, watering, feeding and finally harvesting, our young people have been involved in every stage of this project.

And just look at the results! 🍅🥒🫑

We could not be prouder of what our students and staff have achieved together. The commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork that have gone into this project have been exceptional — and the outcome is a real credit to everyone involved. From an initial idea to an incredible harvest, they have truly surpassed expectations.

But the real value goes far beyond what has been grown.

Hands-on learning gives our students the opportunity to develop practical skills, problem-solving, teamwork, responsibility and resilience — while experiencing the satisfaction of seeing a project through from an idea to a tangible outcome.

Learning by doing. Creating with purpose. Seeing the results.

And this is just a glimpse of what’s to come…

We’ve been busy developing our site, creating new learning spaces and introducing brand-new vocational pathways to provide even more engaging, enriching and purposeful opportunities for our students.

We look forward to welcoming our students back next week as we begin an exciting new chapter, with new spaces, new pathways and even more opportunities to learn, develop and achieve.

30/06/2026

👑 Meet Thor! You can’t miss him round the yard!

His daily duties include:

🚙 Vehicle inspections
💧 Watering can quality control
🐕 Supervising the dog
🌱 Garden monitoring
👀 Keeping a close eye on absolutely everybody

If there’s mischief to be found, Thor will find it.
If there’s somewhere he’s not supposed to be, Thor will be there.

And if you’re trying to get a job done, expect a fluffy supervisor to appear from nowhere and make sure you’re doing it properly.

Life with Thor is never dull, but we wouldn’t have it any other way! 🤍🐾

🌱🐴 Scooby’s been checking out our new growth boxes! 🐴🌱We think they have her seal of approval! 💚These colourful growth b...
28/06/2026

🌱🐴 Scooby’s been checking out our new growth boxes! 🐴🌱

We think they have her seal of approval! 💚
These colourful growth boxes are the result of a fantastic team effort across our Multi Skills, Inspire and Creative Pathway provisions. Our learners have been involved every step of the way – from planning and designing, to construction, choosing colours, selecting plants and carefully planting them.

At East Boldon Alternative Education Provision, we know that learning looks different for every young person. For many of our learners, hands-on, practical experiences provide opportunities to engage, achieve and develop skills in ways that traditional classroom environments cannot always offer.

Projects such as these encourage creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, communication and decision-making. They also allow learners to experience something incredibly valuable – seeing the results of their hard work come to life.

Watching a seed grow into a thriving plant helps learners understand that growth is a process. It takes patience, care, consistency and resilience. Much like the journeys our young people undertake, progress isn’t always immediate, but with the right support, encouragement and environment, amazing things can flourish.

As a team, we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved. These growth boxes are more than just a colourful addition to our paddocks; they are a reflection of our ethos:

🌟 Instilling Care�🌟 Building Courage�🌟 Encouraging Confidence�🌟 Creating Smiles

Every plank, every brushstroke and every plant tells a story of collaboration, achievement and growth.
Now it’s time to watch both the plants and our learners continue to flourish. 🌱✨

And of course, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Scooby to make sure she doesn’t decide to sample the lettuce! 🥬🐴💚

🌾🚜 Fingers Crossed for Haylage 2026! 🚜🌾One of our proudest achievements in recent years was producing our own haylage fr...
26/06/2026

🌾🚜 Fingers Crossed for Haylage 2026! 🚜🌾

One of our proudest achievements in recent years was producing our own haylage from the very fields our horses graze.

Back in 2023, with a little help from some good friends, we cut, baled and wrapped our own haylage, creating high-quality forage for our horses and ponies directly from the land they call home. Seeing the finished bales stacked high was a real moment of pride and a reflection of the hard work, planning and teamwork involved in managing our land responsibly.

The last two years have certainly reminded us how much farming relies on nature. Prolonged periods of rain followed by dry spells have made producing quality haylage challenging. Too much rain can affect cutting and baling windows, whilst dry conditions can reduce grass growth and ultimately impact yield and quality.

Producing good forage is a balancing act that relies heavily on weather, timing and a little bit of luck! 🌦️
As we look ahead to this year’s harvest, we’re keeping everything crossed for favourable growing conditions and a bumper crop. 🤞🌱

There is something particularly special about feeding horses forage produced from the same land they graze. Not only does it help provide a consistent forage source, but quality haylage retains valuable nutrients, is highly palatable and supports healthy digestive function. It also reflects our commitment to sustainable land management and understanding the full cycle of care that supports our horses’ wellbeing.

For our learners, projects like this bring education to life. They provide opportunities to understand agriculture, land management, sustainability and animal care in a meaningful, hands-on way. From watching the grass grow, learning about weather patterns and harvesting, through to seeing the forage fed back to our horses, learners gain a real appreciation of the journey from field to feed.

23/06/2026

🐝🌼 Creating Space for Nature to Thrive 🌼🐝

A busy day at East Boldon Alternative Education Provision saw us carrying out some important maintenance around our apiary area.

From cutting pathways and managing grass growth to checking on our buzzing residents, every job plays an important role in creating a safe and healthy environment for both wildlife and people.

Our bees are a fantastic part of our provision, providing learners with unique opportunities to explore nature, biodiversity, sustainability and environmental stewardship in a hands-on and meaningful way. They help us understand just how interconnected our environment is and how even the smallest creatures play a vital role in supporting our ecosystem.

Projects like this also provide valuable practical learning experiences. Learners can see first-hand how maintaining outdoor spaces requires planning, teamwork, responsibility and ongoing care. There is always a job to do, a skill to learn and something new to discover.

At East Boldon Alternative Education Provision, we are passionate about helping young people connect with the natural world. Whether it’s caring for horses, growing plants, managing our land or supporting pollinators, every experience helps develop confidence, resilience, curiosity and a sense of achievement.

We’re proud to continue developing our outdoor learning spaces and creating environments where both nature and young people can flourish.

🐝 After all, when we care for the world around us, we’re investing in the future for everyone.

👑 A Warrior in Name, a Softie at Heart 👑Say hello to Spartacus, better known to us as Sparty.This handsome boy has been ...
21/06/2026

👑 A Warrior in Name, a Softie at Heart 👑

Say hello to Spartacus, better known to us as Sparty.

This handsome boy has been part of the East Boldon family since early 2021 and, from day one, has been the definition of a gentle giant. Steady, kind and dependable, he truly doesn’t put a hoof wrong and is a firm favourite with learners, staff and visitors alike.

Despite his mighty name, Sparty has the softest nature and absolutely loves a good scratch. If you know him well, you’ll also know that his ears always tell a story! Whether he’s curious about what’s happening around him, listening out for treats, or simply enjoying a fuss, his expressions never fail to make us smile.

As the weather warms up, Sparty is thoroughly enjoying spending more time out in the fields, making the most of the sunshine and grazing alongside his friends. There is nothing quite like seeing our horses relaxed, content and enjoying the freedom of our paddocks.

At East Boldon Alternative Education Provision, horses like Sparty play such an important role in the lives of our learners. His calm and gentle nature helps young people build confidence, develop trust and form meaningful connections, often without saying a single word.

We think he’s pretty special, and we’re sure you’ll agree. 💚

🐴 Thank you for being you, Sparty.

🌟 Proud Moment for East Boldon Alternative Education Provision 🌟We are delighted to share that following our recent insp...
18/06/2026

🌟 Proud Moment for East Boldon Alternative Education Provision 🌟

We are delighted to share that following our recent inspection by South Tyneside Council, East Boldon Alternative Education Provision has been granted a further 3-year licence for the keeping and training of animals for exhibition, in addition to our 5-Star Animal Welfare Licence.

Whilst we are proud of this recognition, it is far more than a licence or a rating. It reflects the values, standards and ethos that underpin everything we do every single day.

This licence is a reflection of the high standards of care we provide for our horses and the invaluable role they play in our learners’ journeys. Through equine-assisted learning, our horses help young people develop confidence, resilience, trust and life skills, creating opportunities for growth, achievement and smiles every day.

At East Boldon Alternative Education Provision, we believe that meaningful education begins with relationships, trust, opportunity and care. Our learners are supported through unique equine-assisted experiences that help them develop essential life skills, build resilience and achieve success both inside and outside of education.

🐴 Instilling Care
The welfare of our horses and the wellbeing of our learners are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where every young person feels valued, respected and supported. We want every learner who walks through our gates to feel welcomed, understood and empowered to succeed.

💪 Building Courage
Many of our learners arrive facing significant challenges. Every day we witness remarkable courage as they step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences and discover strengths they never knew they had. Whether it is leading a horse, working as part of a team or overcoming personal barriers, courage is celebrated in all its forms.

⭐ Encouraging Confidence
Through positive experiences, achievable goals and unwavering support, our learners develop confidence in themselves, their abilities and their futures. Confidence grows when young people feel safe to try, make mistakes, learn and recognise just how capable they truly are.

😊 Creating Smiles
There is nothing more rewarding than seeing young people engage, achieve and genuinely enjoy learning. The smiles, laughter and sense of accomplishment seen across our provision every day are what inspire us to continue striving for excellence. Happy learners are engaged learners, and every smile tells a story of growth and success.

This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our incredible team, the trust of our families, schools and professionals, and the determination and achievements of our learners themselves.

We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, education and personal development, ensuring every young person who walks through our gates is given the opportunity to thrive.

Educating, empowering and inspiring through the unique partnership between young people and animals. 🐴✨

16/06/2026

🐴💚 Someone is happy to be home! 💚🐴

Star is delighted to be back from her holiday… and we think her welcome home announcement says it all! 📣🐴

Just listen to that whinny! ❤️

There’s nothing quite like seeing our horses return relaxed, happy and ready to settle back in with their friends. Star certainly wasted no time in letting everyone know she was back where she belongs!

We have missed her lovely character and hearing that familiar voice around the yard. Safe to say, she’s happy to be home… and we’re very happy to have her back. 🥰

Welcome home, Star! ✨🐴💚

Why Children With School Refusal (EBSA) Often Thrive in Farm-Based Alternative Provisions 🧠🌿🐎⚽Over the years we’ve seen ...
05/06/2026

Why Children With School Refusal (EBSA) Often Thrive in Farm-Based Alternative Provisions 🧠🌿🐎⚽

Over the years we’ve seen many children arrive who are unable to attend mainstream school due to anxiety, emotional overwhelm or EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance).

Yet something remarkable often happens.

Within a short time around animals, open space, sport and calm relationships, those same children begin to regulate, engage and slowly rebuild their confidence in learning.

There is real neuroscience behind this.

🧠 1. Regulation comes before learning
When a child is highly anxious, their brain is in a fight-flight-freeze state. In this state, the thinking part of the brain cannot fully engage.
Calm environments, movement and trusted relationships help bring the nervous system back into a regulated state where learning becomes possible.

🐎 2. Animals help regulate the nervous system
Animals respond to energy rather than words.
When children slow their breathing and body language, the animal responds calmly. This creates a powerful form of co-regulation and builds confidence without pressure.

🌿 3. Nature reduces stress and sensory overload
Outdoor environments naturally reduce cortisol (the stress hormone).
They also remove many of the sensory triggers that can overwhelm children in busy classrooms.

⚽ 4. Sport and movement support focus and wellbeing
Physical activity helps regulate emotions, release stress and boost dopamine — the brain chemical linked to attention and motivation.
For many young people, sport provides a positive outlet that improves confidence, teamwork and engagement in learning.

📚 5. Education remains at the centre
While practical and outdoor learning are powerful tools for engagement, maintaining strong foundations in Maths and English remains essential.
These core lessons are embedded into the day so that children continue to develop the academic skills needed for their future.

🤝 6. Relationships rebuild confidence
Small groups and consistent adults allow children to feel seen, safe and supported.
Once trust is rebuilt, children are far more able to re-engage with education.

At East Boldon Alternative Provision we see this every day.

Children who once felt unable to enter a school building begin reconnecting with education through animals, sport, outdoor learning, and supportive relationships — while continuing to develop their Maths and English skills.

Sometimes the first step back into education isn’t a traditional classroom — it’s a calm environment where a child’s nervous system can finally feel safe enough to learn again.

Address

East Boldon Riding Centre Field House Farm
East Boldon
NE360BX

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+447904814764

Website

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