A FARMER – and mother – in Cornwall is hoping to provide further services to support children with special educational needs and their families.

Keeley Reading runs the Farming Mother CIC (community interest company) at Penvergate Farm, a small working farm near the coast in the Gorran area to the south of St Austell.

A farmer for six years, Keeley has a passion for supporting children with special educational needs through animal therapy while out in the natural world.

Keeley, 33, who has three children, including one with multiple special educational needs, provides the therapy at the farm with alpacas and other animals that have been given training.

The self-taught first-generation farmer has been running the service at Penvergate Farm since the beginning of May this year and, in total, has operated in Cornwall for two years.

Keeley is currently crowdfunding to expand her facilities at the not-for-profit organisation, ensuring she can remain cost-effective and accessible, especially during challenging economic times.

She is aiming to raise £15,000 and says on Crowdfunder: “Our vision is to create a nurturing, inclusive space where children with special educational needs can thrive through hands-on learning and exploration in nature.

“By combining education with the healing power of the natural world, we aim to foster creativity, confidence and emotional well-being, empowering children of all abilities to grow, connect and develop in a supportive environment.

“Funds raised will go towards construction and development of the outdoor and indoor learning areas, ensuring accessibility for all; specialised equipment and resources tailored to the diverse needs of special educational needs children; hiring trained staff who specialise in special needs education and holistic learning approaches; sensory and therapeutic tools to enhance engagement and support emotional development; and nature-based learning programmes that integrate environmental awareness with core education skills.”

As part of the service, families can also camp at the farm, whose website is www.thefarmingmother.co.uk, as they holiday together.

Keeley said that through consistent and tailored programmes, she has witnessed remarkable progress in the emotional, social and sensory development of children and their families.

The Crowdfunder page can be seen at: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/natures-nurturing-learning-and-education-sen-space