Question 1

Do students need an EHCP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is how the Local Authority fund the student. If they don’t have an EHCP, they will need to apply for one (they can take months and may have to wait until the next academic year) before applying to us. Some of our students may apply via EOTAS (Education Other Than At School). The courses are designed especially to support those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs).

Question 2

Is an EHCP mandatory?

Accepted Answer

EHCPs are not mandatory, however that is how we draw down funding for students who enrol onto our courses. If your child does not have an EHCP then this would have to be funded privately. Please contact us for further information.

Question 3

What is the cost of the course?

Accepted Answer

The course is free to the student (and the parent or carers).  It is funded by the Local Authority (LA) via an EHCP.  (If you are from the LA please contact us directly for up-to-date costings).

Question 4

What age can students attend?

Accepted Answer

Students must be at least 13 years old to enrol for Entry Level courses
Students must be at least 14 years old to enrol for Level 1 courses
Students must be at least 16 years old to enrol for Level 2 courses.
(if a student has a birthday just after the start date, then we normally can adjust a little). 
Students can attend until 25 years old when their EHCP comes to an end.

Question 5

What is the process to apply for our courses?

Accepted Answer

Parents / Carer or Local Authority (LA) contact us via email or phone to discuss the student's details and EHCP needs.  
We will then organise an informal meeting with the prospective student onsite for them to meet the team and for us to assess their need - please email us their EHCP prior to the meeting.  
Next the parent / carer will contact the LA to request Aim High is where they would like to attend.  The LA will send a consultation letter to Aim High to reply to and confirm that we can meet need.  This will then go to Panel at the LA for them to decide the outcome.  
Ultimately the decision sits with the Local Authority.

Question 6

Can you provide Functional Skills (Maths and English)?

Accepted Answer

Our courses are delivered in partnership with Haddon Training Ltd.  Haddon also provides Functional Skills (Maths and English) training for students if required.

Question 7

How many students are in each group?

Accepted Answer

There will be a maximum of 6 students and typically 2 staff for a session, there will be regular 1:1 time with each student.

Question 8

How are students assessed?

Accepted Answer

Students take part in regular practical observed assessments and build a portfolio of evidence which can include: posters, collages, short answer questions, work sheets, photographs, short videos etc.
A student's practical evidence and portfolio are submitted at the end of the academic year for certification.

Question 9

How long is the course?

Accepted Answer

Entry Level courses are typically run over 1 academic year starting in September.
Level 1 courses are either 1 or 2 years and follow the academic year starting in September. 
Level 2 courses are typically run over 2 academic years starting in September.

Question 10

What days and times do students attend?

Accepted Answer

Our courses are between 12 - 15 hours per week (depending on the level) and normally completed over 3 or 4 days and this is classed as full time education provision. 
If a session runs over a lunch period there is a half hour break.

All courses currently run over 3 or 4 weekdays - Monday to Friday.  There are no weekend sessions.
All sessions will take place at some point between 9 am and 4pm and courses run from 3 – 6 hours per day, depending on the level.

All sessions are delivered onsite.

Question 11

What equipment do I need?

Accepted Answer

You will need sturdy footwear such as welly boots, walking boots or riding boots, gloves and suitable outdoor clothing for the weather.  Riding hats are needed for some tasks and can be provided by the student or borrowed from Aim High.

Question 12

What are transport options?

Accepted Answer

Transport can be provided by the Local Authority (students need to apply directly) and there may be opportunities via the Ride High charity (please ask). 
There is a regular bus service locally and Ride High Equestrian Centre (where we are based) is within walking distance of Central MK train station.
There is also ample free parking on site if you choose to drive.

Question 13

Do you need to have horse or animal experience to sign up?

Accepted Answer

No!  just a willingness to learn and enjoy being outdoors.

Question 14

Can I swap from animal care to horse care and vice versa?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is possible to swap from one pathway to the other where spaces are available.

Question 15

Can I ride?

Accepted Answer

All of Aim High's courses are non-ridden.  
Riding lessons may be booked separately at our commercial riding school Ride High Equestrian Centre (please note they have a 12-stone weight limit for riders).  
Riding lessons will not be funded as part of the course.

Frequently Asked Questions