How the Cotswold Project Began

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The Cotswold Project was born from a simple but powerful belief: children thrive when they feel safe, connected and understood.

Our founder, Olivia, began by offering equine‑assisted sessions to a small number of young people who were struggling in mainstream settings. What started as individual support quickly grew into something much bigger.

Families, SENCOs and local professionals began to notice the impact — calmer children, improved emotional regulation, renewed confidence, and a sense of belonging that many had never experienced before.

As demand increased, it became clear that there was a need for a dedicated, therapeutic Alternative Provision in the Cotswolds — one that combined:

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• trauma‑informed practice

• relational, attachment‑aware support

• nature‑based learning

• equine‑assisted and animal‑assisted experiences

• creative therapeutic interventions

• personalised education and mentoring

 

The Cotswold Project Holistic CIC was created to meet that need. Today, we continue to grow while staying true to our roots: a safe, nurturing space where every child is seen, valued and supported.

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Our Mission

To provide a therapeutic, relational and nature‑based Alternative Provision where children and young people with SEMH needs, anxiety, trauma histories or school‑based challenges can thrive academically, emotionally and socially.

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Our Approach

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Our provision is grounded in:

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• Trauma‑informed practice

• Relational, attachment‑aware support

• Nature‑based and animal‑assisted learning

• Calm, predictable routines

• Individualised education and therapeutic plans

• Consistent staffing and trusted relationships

 

We combine functional skills tuition, SEMH mentoring, equine‑assisted learning, animal care, art therapy and play therapy to create a holistic, multi‑modal offer that supports emotional wellbeing, engagement and progress.

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Our Setting

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Based at Baywell Farm in Charlbury, West Oxfordshire, our environment is intentionally designed to promote regulation, connection and safety. The setting includes:

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• Indoor learning spaces

• Outdoor classrooms

• Stables and equine areas

• Small‑animal care zones

• Woodland and nature‑based activity areas

• Quiet spaces for reflection and sensory regulation

 

This peaceful, rural environment helps pupils feel grounded, calm and ready to learn.

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Our Team

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Our team brings together a wealth of experience in education, therapeutic practice, equine‑assisted learning, animal care and creative interventions. We are united by a shared commitment to:

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• Child‑centred practice

• Emotional safety

• Professional curiosity

• High‑quality safeguarding

• Clear communication with schools and families

 

Meet the Team

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• Olivia Pollard — Founder & Lead Practitioner

• Ceri Watkins — Education & Mentoring

• Debs O’Kane — Equine‑Assisted Learning

• Becca Rolings — Tuition & Learning Support

• Susie Burn‑Strange — Therapeutic Support

• Tilly Brown — Equine‑Assisted Learning

• Paddy — Therapy Dog & Emotional Support Superstar

 

Each member of the team contributes to a warm, consistent and relational environment where children feel safe to explore, learn and grow.

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Who We Support

We work with children and young people aged 5+ who may be experiencing:

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• SEMH needs

• Anxiety or school refusal

• Trauma or attachment difficulties

• Dysregulation in mainstream settings

• Low confidence or self‑esteem

• Need for a phased reintegration pathway

 

We offer short‑term, medium‑term and long‑term placements, depending on need.

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Our Values

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Everything we do is shaped by our core values:

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• Safety — emotional, physical and relational

• Connection — building trust through consistency

• Compassion — understanding behaviour as communication

• Creativity — using animals, nature and the arts to support expression

• Growth — helping each child move forward at their own pace

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Working with Schools & Local Authorities

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We collaborate closely with:

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• Oxfordshire County Council

• Gloucestershire County Council

• SENCOs

• DSLs

• Pastoral teams

• Social workers

• Families

 

We provide clear communication, progress updates and evidence‑based reporting to support each child’s journey.

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Visit Us or Make a Referral

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We welcome visits from schools, professionals and families. To discuss a placement, arrange a visit or make a referral, please get in touch — we’re here to help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn again.