Elysian

Elysian We provide education, alternative provision, and therapeutic placements for children and young people. Learn more on our website!

Our services also include training, events, and diverse group programs for all ages and needs. Shamley Green's Hiring Out Horses Licence
• Nadine O'Hara, Elysian Animal Assisted Interventions Ltd
• Licence No: LN/000008343

Shamley Green's Animal Exhibition Licence
• Nadine O'Hara, Elysian Animal Assisted Interventions Ltd
• Licence No:000008344

24/03/2026

This week at Elysian…

Here’s a glimpse into some of the activities our students have been involved in this week.

In Art, young people created a banner to celebrate our Shetland Teddy’s 21st birthday and decorated Easter eggs for an Easter egg hunt.

In Science, we carried out an experiment to test our reflexes and learned about the life cycles of horses.
We also enjoyed two trips this week. One visit was to Hampton Court Palace where we explored Tudor history and royal life, finishing the day in the maze. We also spent time at RHS Garden Wisley learning about plants and exploring the greenhouse.

In Equine, we looked at horse body language, comparing it to humans and discussing the emotions horses might be feeling. We also considered how horses respond to obstacles.

In Animal Care, we bathed the dogs and worked on teaching the chickens tricks and providing enrichment.

In Maths, we practised calculating area and perimeter. In D&T, we started building a table from pallets. In our Social Learning Group, we explored personal qualities.

We have also been building a pond for our ducks.

See you next week.

✨New Outreach Hub launching at the Waverley Family Centre in Loseley!✨Our free community-based sessions support young pe...
18/03/2026

✨New Outreach Hub launching at the Waverley Family Centre in Loseley!✨

Our free community-based sessions support young people aged 7–16 who are struggling to attend, engage, or finding it hard to access community spaces.

With the help of our small animal friends 🐰💚, we focus on emotional regulation, confidence and gentle re-engagement.

Sessions will run on a Friday afternoon, starting on Friday 17th April 2026.

📩 Referrals now open, please contact refer@elysianuk.org.

✨ New Outreach Hub launching at the Guildford Family Centre!✨Our free community-based sessions support young people aged...
18/03/2026

✨ New Outreach Hub launching at the Guildford Family Centre!✨

Our free community-based sessions support young people aged 7–16 who are struggling to attend, engage, or finding it hard to access community spaces.

With the help of our small animal friends 🐰💚, we focus on emotional regulation, confidence and gentle re-engagement.

Sessions will run on a Thursday afternoon, starting on Thursday 16th April 2026.

📩 Referrals now open, please contact refer@elysianuk.org.

13/03/2026

This week at Elysian…

Here’s a glimpse into some of the activities our students have been involved in this week.

In Art, young people explored layering lines to represent memory and time and practiced different painting techniques. They also created faces to decorate the trees, adding character to our outdoor learning spaces.

In Outdoor Education, we planted sunflower seeds in the old pig pen and in pots to compare growing conditions. The group also designed stewardship posters and planted other seeds to watch them grow over time.

In Science we learned about the central nervous system, labelling the brain, spine, and neurons. In Geography, we designed the perfect village, including a church, a pond, and horses. In English, we practised speaking and listening, sharing topics we are passionate about.

In Equine, we worked on trotting in light seat, noticing how the horse’s body language changes between sitting trot and riding trot. We also spent time bonding with our donkeys.

We celebrated Popcorn Lovers Day by lighting a fire and cooking corn on a griddle. In the Crossfields Project, one of our young people started building a greenhouse, measuring the foundations and learning about different wood stains.

This week was packed with learning, creativity, and outdoor adventures. We’re excited to see what next week holds!

🌿 Volunteers Needed at Elysian Farm – Shamley Green 🌿With all the rain and the time of year, we need a bit of extra help...
08/03/2026

🌿 Volunteers Needed at Elysian Farm – Shamley Green 🌿

With all the rain and the time of year, we need a bit of extra help on the farm removing ragwort from our fields. Westland Farm is a large site and we’d love to welcome some local volunteers who would like to spend a few hours outdoors helping with this important job.

It’s a great opportunity to get outside, support the farm and spend some time with our animals.

Volunteer sessions:

Sunday 22 March
• 9:30 – 13:00
• 13:30 – 16:30

Wednesday 25 March
• 13:00 – 16:30

Sunday 29 March
• 9:30 – 13:00
• 13:30 – 16:30

Afterwards we’ll have coffee, cake and a chance to meet some of the animals.

If you’d like to come along, please register here so we know you’re coming:
https://elysianuk.org/sg-volunteer-2026/

📍 Westland Farm, Shamley Green, Guildford

We’d love to see some of our local community there.

06/03/2026

This week at Elysian…

Here’s a glimpse into some of the activities our students have been involved in this week.

We visited Liphook Equine Hospital for a tour and an equine first aid session. In Art, young people developed their sketching skills using horses as inspiration, while in PSHE we reflected on the connection between humans and horses and what we can learn from these relationships. The group also planned upcoming furniture-building projects and spent time learning how to school our Shetland ponies.

In English we studied the life and achievements of Jacques Cousteau, exploring his ocean discoveries, inventions, and environmental impact. In Maths we used simple formulae expressed in words, calculating speed, area, and time. In Equine we focused on horse behaviour and survival, including how horses would survive in the wild and what they would eat. In Animal Care, it was nail-trimming day. In Science we compared the life cycles of insects and amphibians.

In Outdoor Learning we’ve been creating different outdoor spaces, such as benches, and constructing a dead hedge. We recently welcomed two new horses and spent a lot of time bonding with them and helping them settle in. We also decorated our own birds with vibrant colours while enjoying the beautiful view around us.

It was a week full of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning. We can’t wait to see what next week brings!

23/02/2026

ROAD CLOSURES AROUND SHAMLEY GREEN

PLEASE CHECK ONLINE BEFORE TRAVELLING TO OUR SHAMLEY GREEN SITE. There are several road closures and diversions.

13/02/2026

This week at Elysian…

Here’s a glimpse into some of the activities our students have been involved in this week.

Building ballet benches through precise measuring in maths, exploring half and quarter turns during equine sessions, mapping hills and contours, and working with mixed units of measurement across the farms. Measuring water volumes using practical tools, comparing weights of chickens, investigating lengths of earthworms, and applying measurement skills alongside our horses in lots of different ways.

Supporting movement focus and awareness with obstacle courses designed to keep everyone engaged. Present-moment attention and teamwork were key throughout.

Creativity developed through expressive work inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, while environmental understanding deepened through designing and building bug houses to support habitats. Responsibility and confidence grew through learning to care for and feed our new bearded dragon, Smaug.

Across all sites, our core value of kindness was evident in how our children and young people supported one another and approached their learning. We are so proud of every single one of you – Well done all 😊

Reptile Connections 🦎Welcome back! 🐌🐸🐉 This week at Reptile Connections, we met all our different reptiles and watched o...
04/02/2026

Reptile Connections 🦎

Welcome back! 🐌🐸🐉

This week at Reptile Connections, we met all our different reptiles and watched our snakes being fed. 🐍 We also spent time with our tortoises, Sheldon and Yoda and gave them a bath. 🐢

Are you looking for a fun and engaging learning opportunity for your child?

Reptile Connections is a weekly session for children who flourish in a nurturing environment, ideal for those who are home-educated or on a part-time timetable.

Reptile Connections at Elysian is a unique, hands-on learning experience where young people explore the natural world through interaction with reptiles and small animals.

Sessions help develop confidence, responsibility, communication and curiosity in a calm and nurturing environment.

📍 Location: Staple Ash Farm, Staple Ash Lane, Froxfield, Petersfield, GU32 1DJ

🕐 Time: Wednesdays, 1pm–3pm.

👧 Ages: 6–16 years.

🏅 Earn: AQA Unit Awards.

Who is it for:
Young people aged 6 to 16 years. Ideal for those who are home educated or on a part-time timetable.

Who can refer:
Any parent or carer who would like their child to gain hands-on experience with animals. Parents/carers and professionals can refer.

Why sign up:
Young people gain valuable social and emotional skills, learn about animal care and behaviour, and can work towards earning AQA unit awards.

How to sign up:
Please contact the referrals team for more information or to book: refer@elysianuk.org

Or visit our website: https://elysianuk.org/what-we-offer/reptile-connections/

03/02/2026

Creative Connections

This week at Creative Connections, we explored how creativity can blossom when it meets nature. From painting inspired by our animal friends to crafting with natural materials, our young creators let their imaginations run wild.

Are you looking for a creative and supportive learning experience for your child? Creative Connections is a weekly group for home-educated and part-time learners who flourish in a calm, nature-based environment.

Creative Connections at Elysian is a nurturing and inspiring space for young minds to grow, create, and connect.

Children can develop creativity, gain new experiences, and make meaningful friendships in a nurturing space.

📍 Location: Staple Ash Farm, Staple Ash Lane, Froxfield, Petersfield, GU32 1DJ
🕐 Time: Tuesdays, 1pm–3pm
👧 Ages: 6–16 years
🏅 Earn AQA Unit Awards

Who can refer: Any parent or carer who would like their child to gain hands-on experience with animals.

Who is it for:
Young people aged 6 to 16 years. Ideal for those who are home educated or on a part-time timetable. Parents and carers professionals can refer

Why sign up:
Young people gain valuable social and emotional skills, learn about animal care and behaviour, and can work towards earning AQA unit awards.

How to sign up:
Please contact the referrals team for more information or to book: refer@elysianuk.org
Or visit our website: https://elysianuk.org/what-we-offer/creative-connections/.

02/02/2026

This week during equine connections at Elysian Shamley Green! 💜🐴

Address

Westland Farm, Lordshill Common
Guildford
GU50TL

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Category

Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning

Elysian was established in 2015, and is an Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning Service for children, young people, families and adults. We have a multidisciplinary team who work with clients needs in creative and effective ways, supporting their therapeutic and development goals. Our passion is centred around the therapeutic experience being with animals can be, and how they can assist us in developing ourselves. We also believe in the effect animals can have on recovery from trauma, injury or emotional distress. We have professionally qualified therapists and experienced staff, and some of our team information can be found at www.elysianuk.org. Our team has a significant track record of supporting clients to reach positive outcomes and achieving potential.

We facilitate individual and group sessions tailored to the clients needs. We receive referrals from professionals and parents, and a large majority of our referrals come from other services such as social care, education provisions and health.

The sessions are 50 minutes long and involve spending time with animals in a variety of ways. They vary from structured animal assisted activity to exploratory integrated equine and/or animal assisted therapy and are client led. Sessions are usually goal based and use an integrated therapeutic approach to work with the clients presenting needs.

We have a whole range of animals. These include pigs, sheep, chickens, guinea fowl, quails, horses and ponies, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, donkeys, rheas and lots of goats (of different breeds, mostly pygmy). We also have reptiles, including tortoise, snakes and bearded dragons. Clients, if they wish to, meet and interact with all of them.