Bee free on the farm
A little more freedom. A lot more opportunity.
Bee Free on the Farm grew from a shared belief that young people deserve more than one way to learn. As Willowbank continued to grow and the demand for personalised education increased, Liz recognised an opportunity to create something new. With her love of coffee, a conversation with Bee Gifford and a shared passion for doing things differently, the idea for Bee Free began to take shape.
​
Liz approached Bee about working together, bringing Bee’s talents and experience alongside the knowledge and expertise already established at Willowbank. What started as an idea soon grew into a partnership, and Bee Free on the Farm was born.
​
Led by Bee Gifford, Head of Bee Free on the Farm, the provision brings together years of specialist teaching experience, a deep understanding of young people with complex needs and a genuine love for the outdoors. Bee’s approach is rooted in building relationships, recognising individual strengths and creating opportunities for young people to experience success in ways that work for them.
​
Working hand in hand with Willowbank and drawing on Liz and Pat’s expertise, Headed up by Bee, Bee Free offers a unique blend of farming, forest school, outdoor education and practical learning. It is a place where young people can step away from the pressures of a traditional classroom, connect with nature and discover what they are capable of.
​
From caring for animals and growing food to woodworking, bushcraft, archery and creative projects, every experience offers an opportunity to learn something new. Our sessions are designed to build confidence, develop practical skills, encourage independence and support emotional wellbeing, all within a welcoming environment where young people can feel safe, valued and understood.
​
We believe that learning should be meaningful, enjoyable and connected to real life. At Bee Free, getting your hands muddy, making something from scratch or spending time with an animal can become the starting point for a much bigger achievement.
Growing Together with Knowler Farm CIC
Bee Free works hand in hand with Knowler Farm CIC, a community-focused organisation born from a shared love of the outdoors and a passion for bringing people together.
​
Our dedicated community farm and growing space adds another exciting dimension to the Bee Free experience. It creates opportunities for learners to get involved in growing, caring for the land and taking part in meaningful projects that connect them with nature and the wider community.
From planting seeds and watching them grow to developing practical skills and contributing to shared projects, the farm offers experiences that build confidence, encourage responsibility and give young people a real sense of achievement.
​
The partnership also allows us to create opportunities that extend beyond the education provision, bringing learners and the community together through a shared love of farming, growing and outdoor experiences.
​
Together, Bee Free and Knowler Farm CIC are creating a space where learning, community and nature come together, giving young people more opportunities to discover their strengths, feel connected and grow in confidence.
What makes
bee free special
Recognising Every Achievement
AQA Unit Award Scheme
We believe every achievement deserves to be celebrated. Through the AQA Unit Award Scheme, learners can work towards recognised certificates in a range of practical and skills-based activities, including animal care, crafts, woodworking and other areas of learning.
​
These awards help young people see their progress, recognise their strengths and build a portfolio of achievements they can feel proud of.
​
Space to Breathe, Grow and Connect
Therapeutic Benefits
Time spent outdoors and engaging with animals can provide a calming, positive environment for young people who may find traditional settings challenging. Through hands-on activities, meaningful relationships and opportunities to experience success, we support emotional wellbeing, confidence and resilience.
Our approach is nurturing and responsive, giving learners the time and space they need to feel comfortable, build trust and take their next steps.
​
Building Skills for the Future
Pathways to Progression
Bee Free is about more than what happens on the farm. We work closely with learners, families, host schools and other professionals to help young people develop the skills, confidence and readiness needed for their next stage of education or life.
Whether that means returning to a school setting, moving into further education, exploring employment opportunities or working towards another positive destination, we tailor our support around the individual and their goals.
a place to belong
Inclusive Learning
No two young people are the same, and we would not want them to be. Bee Free offers a welcoming, flexible environment where learners are encouraged to be themselves, discover their interests and learn at their own pace.
​
We celebrate individuality, adapt our approach to different needs and focus on what each young person can do, rather than what they may have struggled with elsewhere.
''The therapeutic nature of Bee Free on the Farm gave my son the confidence to re-engage with his education.''
Parent of Student
learning that goes beyond
the farm
​
As part of the Willowbank family, Bee Free works closely with our wider education provisions, including The Nook, to create opportunities that connect outdoor experiences with academic learning and life skills.
For some learners, the farm is where confidence begins. For others, it provides the practical experiences that help classroom learning make sense. By working together, we can create a more flexible and personalised education offer that supports the whole young person.
​
At Bee Free, we believe a different environment can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
