In 2021 Ufton Court was awarded £5,000 towards their project ‘Ufton Adventure’. Ufton is an innovative education charity that aims to change children’s lives through challenging and inspirational learning outside the classroom.
Ufton Court is a manor house in the civil parish of Ufton Nervet, in the county of Berkshire, England. It is the home to an educational charity, the Ufton Court Educational Trust, which operates historical and environmental education, as well as creative projects in theatre and music.
With the financial support of the grant, the organisation has been able to support over 200 young people from Reading with physical disabilities or diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Condition. They have also developed a partnership with a new school, specialising ASC, and they are researching a new relationship with a specialist SEN school in Reading.
Ufton Adventure takes children and young people into the wild, giving them an unforgettable and life-changing experience. They seek to change children’s lives through challenging and inspirational experiential education, helping to build attitudes, behaviours and skills that raise their aspirations and attainment to transform their life course. They do this by providing residential stays in their purpose-built woodland cabins located 20 minutes from Reading. Their programme of outdoor activities, based on the theory of change, is designed to help children reach beyond their perceived limitations.
‘L had asked to go home every day for the first four days at Ufton, but his lead teacher had kept pushing him to stay and he persevered (only copes for 2 hours a day in school). On the last day he said ‘Thanks for making me stay. I’m getting used to being with people and had a really good time and I want to come back’. He also told me that he was really proud of himself for staying and really enjoyed himself at Ufton.’
– School Teacher on childrens visit
‘Z didn’t want to take part in the camp out because she didn’t know how to use a sleeping bag – we didn’t realise this until the last night of the trip. She was given a sleeping bag to try using in her cabin on the last night. She slept the whole night on the floor of her cabin and has built up enough confidence that she wants to sleep out with the rest of the group next time. ‘I can use the sleeping bag and, although the floor was hard, next time I’m sleeping out with you’.’
– School Teacher on childrens visit
A parent speaking on behalf of her son's experience shared their story and gratitude. ‘Every member of staff that we met was so friendly, positive and helpful. I must say a huge thank you to the Ufton Leader who worked with us, as his patience and perseverance were the tools needed to finally entice my child from the car on the first morning, after nearly 3 hours of hiding. The leader chatted with my son, making him laugh and was incredibly patient with him, as sometimes he finds it hard to communicate. Sometimes words don’t feel like enough to show how much we as a family appreciate all that you staff did to make my son feel welcome and safe. My son has always struggled with school, and this year even began to refuse to go to lessons and school altogether, only going for a couple of hours a day. Things have been tricky, but to see him interact and play with his peers is heart-warming, to see him having fun and laughing! At one point I had to walk away as I was overcome with pride for him and happiness. Thank you to everyone that gave my son such a wonderful experience, the reminder of having fun with his peers, the memory will last forever.’
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