Open Arms Ltd – Three Lane Ends Farm

Open Arms Ltd was founded in 2016 by Christine and Nick Barratt – Atkin to provide quality Alternative Education for students who struggle with the demands of mainstream school life.

Based on a farm in the village of Escomb, near Bishop Auckland, it is a peaceful setting for students to learn and thrive. There are two provisions on the farm, the second being sister provision Learning Trades Ltd.

As an Alternative Provider, we strive to deliver high quality, effective and inclusive provision, placing our students at the heart of everything we do. We offer AEP to young people displaying a wide range of complex behavioural issues, including those at risk of exclusion and those with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Our Curriculum

Maths and English are taught at Functional Skills Level and some students may be entered for GCSE level in English Language and Maths.

PHSE is delivered on a weekly basis encouraging debate and understanding of real world issues.

Careers Education is a focus for our older students.

AQA Qualifications are accessible for all our students to achieve.

Afternoons are spent off site, enjoying a wide range of activities including trampolining, golf, high wires, air soft, skating, skate boarding, cycling, gaming, MMA, archery, rock climbing and much more.

Pictures of our activities can be seen on our Facebook/Instagram pages.

Our Students

We welcome male and female students aged 11-16. Students are taught in small classes and work is differentiated to each student’s individual ability.

Students are referred by feeder schools and Education/Health Professionals.

We support our students to realise their full potential, to know their strengths and remove perceived limitations. We want them to connect with and succeed in the world around them, achieve academic and personal targets and progress into education, training and areas of employment they are passionate about.

Our students are based in two buildings. Wear Lodge and Valley Lodge.

The smaller of the two- Valley Lodge has a one to three staff/student ratio and caters for those students who would benefit from greater individual support in a very relaxed, nurturing environment.

Introducing the team