Expanding Circles seeks new site

Circles Alternative Education was set up in 2008, initially supporting 11 to 16-year-olds with challenging behaviour, who struggle in mainstream education.

It now offers therapeutic and specialist provision for ages four to 17, giving young people the space and freedom to participate in a variety of hands-on activities including animal and equine welfare, horticulture, personal presentation, the environment, retail, catering, building, craft and trade skills.

Circles was established in 2009 by Brad Kaylor and Alex Stone, school friends who believed an alternative vocational approach would suit young people who face exclusion from school and do not feel supported by mainstream education.

Alex had previously volunteered in youth charity work and held a post as an inclusion manager at a high school.

Brad had benefited from a ‘hands-on’ upbringing on the family farm at Stock, Essex, where Circles Alternative Education was founded.

With growing demand for its services, it completed on Holly Farm, East Bergholt in the spring, set among eight acres of farm and woodland. The directors are now looking for a site in Cambridgeshire to help meet educational need there.

Alex Stone said: “We’re looking for farmers to work with who can offer sites of between four and 20 acres. If there’s someone who could do with that extra rental, then that would be fantastic for us.”

Circles is commissioned by schools and local authorities direct but also works with agencies nationally to ensure a positive outcome for young people.

Last year, it launched Circles Branching Out, a new social enterprise employing young adults with additional needs to undertake environmental and groundwork projects.

The project has planted over 6,000 trees, developed community woodlands, undertaken re-wilding projects and has maintenance contracts with local councils and organisations.

Alex said: “The idea is that providing those with additional needs with experience and time in post rather than ‘work experience’ will increase their employability.”

More information is available here.