New Leaf Centre | Alternative Provision in Penrith

Trusted Provision

New Leaf Centre recently welcomed representatives from Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council for quality assurance checks. They reviewed our safeguarding protocols, health and safety measures, and pastoral support, expressing high satisfaction with the findings. A follow-up visit later this year will assess teaching outcomes, reinforcing status as a trusted provision.

About Our Centre

The New Leaf Centre is a therapeutic, alternative learning centre, overlooking the fells, just on the outskirts of Penrith. Nestled in a serene rural setting, you will find a sanctuary for growth and education. Every area is meticulously designed to foster a love of learning whilst recognising the needs of neurodivergent learners.

Amongst the coexistence of nature and knowledge, lies a small animal holding, inhabited by goats, rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, and a resident therapy dog. Our animals aren’t just inhabitants, they play a pivotal role in promoting emotional wellbeing and facilitate learning.

Within our walls, our facilities boast an array of calming learning zones, an immersive sensory room, as well as a fully equipped kitchen which becomes a laboratory for culinary exploration and cultural understanding. A separate building allows creativity to flourish, this vibrant space is dedicated to arts, crafts and woodwork as well as housing a separate break out/relaxation room.

Outside, our expansive gardens serve as a living classroom, where learners experience hands-on learning from seed to harvest and learn the full cycle of sustainability and the value of farm to table practices. In this nurturing environment young people not only cultivate green thumbs but also cultivate inner peace and a sense of growth.

With our truly holistic approach, learners are invited to take part in our on-site forest activities as well as embracing the great outdoors by enjoying off site visits with experienced instructors. An on-site sports hall for physical education is used to empower young people to lead active, healthy lifestyles while fostering essential skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship.

Animals

Animal Assisted Therapy

Our animals play a very important role in supporting learners' who may need a therapeutic environment to overcome difficulties.

Interacting with animals can reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve mood, creating a conducive environment for learning. Additionally animals can serve as non-judgemental companions, fostering emotional connections and enhancing social skills.

For individuals who struggle with traditional educational settings, the presence of animals can offer a unique and engaging way to build confidence, self-esteem, and communication.

Education

Holistic Learning Approach

As an ASDAN approved centre, we deliver Personal Development Programmes, Short Courses, Accredited Curriculm Programmes, Regulated Qualifications, and Functional Skills in English and Mathematics.

Each learner follows a bespoke, individualised programme built around their strengths, needs and aspirations. Our curriculum is designed to increase engagement, build confidence and support meaningful progression.

We focus on measurable, meaningful targets and regular review to evidence progress across academic achievment, independence and emotional development. Therapeutic intervention is embedded within each learner's journey, ensuring social, emotional and mental health needs are supported alongside educational attainment.

Wellness

Promoting Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

We adopt a strengths-based approach, building positive relationships and creating a safe environment where young people feel secure, valued and ready to engage in learning.

Therapeutic support is embedded within our provision. Weekly occupational therapy sessions form part of each learner’s individual programme, supporting sensory regulation, emotional development, functional independence and access to learning. This integrated model ensures therapeutic intervention complements educational progress.

Our Personal Development Programmes (PDP) further support wellbeing by:

Building confidence and helping learners recognise personal strengths
Encouraging ownership of learning
Recognising achievement through meaningful accreditation and certification

This holistic approach ensures that mental health, personal growth and educational achievement are developed alongside one another.

Our Mission

To provide a supportive and inclusive space, offering a sense of belonging where every individual's strengths are celebrated and nurtured.