School Services

Behavioural or emotional struggles

Many students struggle with behavioural or emotional difficulties that affect their learning, attendance and wellbeing. The Apricot Centre believes the most effective way to promote positive behaviour, confidence and social development is through one-to-one and small-group sessions that help young people recognise and manage their emotions. Once a student can regulate how they feel, improved attendance and attainment usually follow.

Research by Young Minds shows that school stress and lack of access to help are among the top concerns for young people. We address this by working within school communities to deliver therapeutic programmes and mentoring, tailored to the needs of each setting.

Children walking through an orchard with blooming trees on a sunny day.
A modern house with a wooden exterior, featuring a metal roof, large glass doors, and windows, with a wooden deck outside under a sunny sky.

Our programmes for young people include:

  • Stress Management for anxious students and refusers

  • Developing Healthy Relationships (students at risk of CSE)

  • Coping in Class – for students who struggle to manage their emotions and behaviour

  • Improving self-esteem and resilience

  • Providing mentoring services for young people in need of extra support but not necessarily therapeutic interventions

  • Part-time activities on a farm – helping young people at risk of exclusion to manage stress and re-engage with learning


We can offer the following for your students:

  • Individual or group sessions

  • Group work (6–10 per group) on a 6, 8, or 10-week basis

  • Open-ended or time-limited one-to-one mentoring (minimum 8 weeks)

  • Mentoring in school or on our farm in Dartington

  • Alternative education provision – full-time or part-time with therapeutic mentoring

Children harvesting apples in an orchard with a man supervising, all wearing rain boots and jackets on a sunny day.

Staff Wellbeing

We offer holistic wellbeing sessions for school staff, giving teams practical tools and long-term strategies for managing stress and sustaining balance.

Support may include:

  • Understanding and responding to stress

  • Developing personal coping strategies

  • Building habits for long-term self-care

Staff who look after their own wellbeing are better able to stay focused, empathetic and motivated — even in demanding environments.


All training can be arranged around your school timetable and inset days, with every programme tailored to your setting.


We offer:

  • A free initial telephone consultation to discuss your school’s needs

  • A free presentation outlining how The Apricot Centre can support your staff and students

  • A free taster session for staff, demonstrating activities that can be offered to pupils

Please contact us to discuss your needs or find out more

Simplified illustration of a steaming cup of tea or coffee with a leaf on top.

Alternative Provision

At The Apricot Centre, we support primary and secondary school-aged children who are unable to attend school for a range of reasons. Each young person is matched with a skilled mentor who works alongside them and their family to create a plan of focused, therapeutic activities tailored to their emotional and behavioural needs.


Mentoring takes place on our safe, friendly farm - either outdoors in nature or in our dedicated therapy pod. Sessions give children space to explore their emotions creatively and build practical tools for managing life at home, in school, and beyond.


We work closely with the whole family to help each young person develop the confidence and skills to feel happy and settled. Caregivers are regularly involved in the process, meeting with mentors at the farm or at home for ongoing support.


Programmes typically run for 12 weeks, with timetables shaped around individual needs. We also offer weekly mentoring sessions at the farm or in school.


For referral enquiries or more information, please get in touch.


Minimalist illustration of a steaming cup of tea or coffee with a lemon slice on top.